Focal Interest
Focal Interest
AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

Publishing process signals: MODERATE — reflects the venue and review process. — venue and review process.

Review links online misinformation to polarization and distrust

A person's hand holds a smartphone displaying a social media feed while a laptop and large wall-mounted monitor in the background also show similar social media interfaces, illustrating multi-device digital communication in a modern office setting.
Research area:Social SciencesSociology and Political ScienceMisinformation

What the study found

The review found that online misinformation, ideological polarisation, and institutional distrust are connected, and the authors report that the literature suggests a tri-directional relationship among them. It also presents a proposed conceptual pathway and a strategic framework for counteracting online misinformation and its consequences.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors say online misinformation raises concerns because of its general risk and because it may threaten democratic integrity, quality journalism, and an informed public, especially during crises. The study suggests that understanding its links with polarisation and distrust is important for counteraction.

What the researchers tested

The researchers carried out an integrative review of current literature and synthesised findings from 157 publications. They organised the review around four themes: online misinformation and ideological polarisation, online misinformation and institutional distrust, online disinformation typology and relevance, and strategic counteraction.

What worked and what didn't

Thematic analysis further suggests a tri-directional relationship between online mis-, dis-, and misinformation, ideological polarisation, and institutional distrust. The review also presents a conceptual pathway and a strategic framework that outlines measures and regulatory directives to counteract the spread of online misinformation.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not provide detailed results for individual studies, and the review summary does not specify how the 157 publications were selected or assessed. The abstract also does not report limitations beyond the scope of the review itself.

Key points

  • The review synthesised findings from 157 publications.
  • The authors report a tri-directional relationship among misinformation, ideological polarisation, and institutional distrust.
  • The paper groups the literature into four themes, including typology and counteraction.
  • The authors present a conceptual pathway and a strategic framework to counter online misinformation.
  • The abstract says misinformation is a concern for democratic integrity, journalism, and an informed public, especially during crises.

Disclosure

Research title:
Review links online misinformation to polarization and distrust
Authors:
Sundara Kashyap Vadapalli, Sharuna Doyal, Frederique J. Vanheusden, Jens F. Binder, Daria J. Kuss
Institutions:
Nottingham Trent University
Publication date:
2026-02-23
DOI:
10.1007/s43545-026-01349-0
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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