APS

2025 APS Annual Convention · 2025

Psychological Vaccination: How Counter-Narratives Combined with Inoculation Reduce Agreement with Antisemitic Content Online

Washington, DC · May 2025

Flash Talk · Social

  • Daniel Relihan
    American University
  • Pasha Dashtgard
    American University

Abstract

In a randomized experiment (N=4,893), we tested four video interventions against antisemitic messages among young adults. Only videos combining inoculation with counter-narratives effectively reduced agreement (-7.3%), operating through a vaccine-like process: triggering protective disgust responses (+19%) while building psychological resistance. Results demonstrate how strategic messaging can preemptively combat harmful content.

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