Effects of a Digital Media Literacy Intervention to Build Misinformation Resilience in Diverse Communities: Social and Motivational Considerations in Intervention Efficacy

Digital media literacy interventions improve resilience to online misinformation, but rarely consider the needs of communities of color, who experience (mis)information in unique ways. This study evaluated a digital media literacy intervention to improve misinformation resilience among American communities of color (Black, Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American). The interventions were developed in collaboration with five non-profit organizations. We assessed intervention efficacy in two studies: (1) a field study among diverse participants recruited via community outreach and (2) a randomized control trial among Latinos recruited via survey company. While the intervention improved literacy skills in both studies, it only improved the ability to accurately identify true and false online information among those recruited via community outreach. These findings suggest that how and why people participate in misinformation interventions, specifically individuals’ motivations for completing interventions as well as the social affordances of the intervention context, can impact intervention efficacy.