Worry about Misinformation and Its Spreaders, Not Their Perceived Prevalence, Is Linked to Support for Free Expression Online

Barcelona, Spain · May 2026

Posters · Identity, Culture & Social Inequality

Tobia Spampatti
New York University
Tobia Spampatti
New York University
Tobia Spampatti
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra
Laura Globig
New York University
Steve Rathje
Carnegie Mellon University
Steve Rathje
Carnegie Mellon University
Steve Rathje
New York University
Steve Rathje
New York University
Jay Van Bavel
New York University
Jay Van Bavel
New York University
Jay Van Bavel
Norwegian School of Economics

Abstract

In this preregistered longitudinal experiment (American representative sample, N=1377), worry about misinformation and censorship shaped people’s perception of prevalence of misinformation and support for freedom of expression and for content moderation. Communicating about the prevalence of misinformation is ineffective compared to tackling the root causes of people’s worry about misinformation.

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Worry about Misinformation and Its Spreaders, Not Their Perceived Prevalence, Is Linked to Support for Free Expression Online

Abstract

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