Effects of a Video of Science Rejection by a Social Media Influencer and User Comments: Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rejection of science is a common phenomenon on social media, but little is known about the effects of videos by social media influencers who reject basic principles of science and how other users could effectively counter these false claims.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effects of an online video on social media that openly rejects facts of medical science on users' attitudes toward science and scientists, as well as to examine whether different response strategies by other users in the commentary section are effective in altering the impact of the video.

Methods

For this experiment, 470 adults were randomized to 1 of 5 groups. Each group watched either a video rejecting science related to medical research or footage unrelated to science. The s

SUBMITTER: Till B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12670042 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature