How is it possible to socialize adolescents to become more vigilant in spotting
fake news? In the present preregistered, randomized controlled trial (N=1,476),
we aimed to implement a scalable, online counter-misinformation intervention
by promoting family-based prosocial values and putting them in an expert role to
build resistance against misinformation among adolescents. In this intervention,
participants were endowed with an expert role and requested to write a letter to
their digitally less experienced relatives elucidating six strategies to identify
misinformation. We found immediate effects of the intervention (d=0.17), but
these effects disappeared after four weeks. However, those high school
students who followed the instructions (N=791) and had a higher need for
cognition demonstrated a substantial benefit in correctly spotting fake news four
weeks after the intervention compared to the control group (d+1 SD need for
cognition=0.28, d+2 SD need for cognition =0.51). The present work demonstrates the
power of using empowerment strategies and relevant social bonds to motivate
behavior change and the important role of motivation to think analytically in the
long-term success of intervention among certain adolescents. Our prosocial approach might complement prior nudge and inoculation interventions in the
fight against misinformation in this age group.
Keywords: adolescents; wise intervention; prosocial purpose; family values;
fake news intervention; counter-misinformation intervention