CHATBOT BEATS FACT SHEETS AT FIGHTING CONSPIRACY BELIEFS

Researchers conducted two experiments testing how interactive chatbot conversations compare to traditional fact sheets for combating misinformation. Participants who spent roughly seven minutes chatting with Google Gemini showed measurable reductions in conspiracy beliefs about current crises. The chatbot approach outperformed conventional fact sheets—a notable finding given that verified facts are often limited for emerging crises. Follow-up surveys weeks after the initial interaction revealed the belief reduction held steady. More striking: the effect generalized beyond the specific topics discussed. Participants exposed to the chatbot conversation also showed reduced conspiracy beliefs about entirely different events, suggesting the intervention shifted underlying skepticism patterns rather than just addressing individual claims. The findings suggest conversational AI may offer an underutilized tool for combating misinformation at scale, particularly when factual information remains scarce or contested.