A newly released study shows that fact checks significantly reduce belief in misinformation, no matter where you’re from or the subject matter.

13 Sep 2021 | Fact checking works
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As fact checkers, we've witnessed first hand how good, timely information can change debate—and lives—for the better.

But while the work of fact checkers has grown more visible over the last decade, the evidence base on the impact of fact checking hasn’t kept up.

A few years ago, we teamed up with international fact checking partners Africa Check and Chequeado to pull together a study that looked into the effectiveness of fact checking around the world, and whether its effects are long lasting.

The results were analysed by two independent academics, and needless to say, we were nervous about the outcome.

Luckily, we didn’t need to be.

The conclusion? Fact checks significantly reduce belief in misinformation. This is true across different countries, cultures, and political environments.

Get the full study ([link removed])
How it worked
* We took a selection of fact checks and put them in front of people in the UK, Argentina, South Africa and Nigeria to see if it changed their minds
* Those included checks on topics such as Covid-19, climate change, and the economy
* We found that people who were presented with fact checks retained factual information for two weeks afterwards
* And fact checking increased accurate beliefs regardless of political affiliation, a trend that held firm regardless of the topic

This study gives us faith that a more accurate and trustworthy future is possible

After a year in which bad information has threatened lives, we now have concrete evidence that shows the difference fact checking can make.

We’re so grateful to have you standing with us. Each and every follow, share and donation helps our work continue. Because of you, more people are able to recognise false claims and make decisions based on good, reliable information.

Thank you so much for helping improve public debate and save lives.

We hope you're as encouraged by these results as we are,
Mevan
Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Operating Officer,
Full Fact


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