People with autistic traits are more likely to engage with misinformation and conspiracy theories in a simulated social media context.

Abstract

Background: People with higher levels of autistic traits are shown to be more likely to endorse conspiracy theories and misinformation on traditional methods of measurement (e.g., self-report). However, such research has been limited by the lack of a naturalistic measure of misinformation and conspiracy theory endorsement that resembles social media platforms.

Method: This study included measures of autistic traits, performance measures of critical reasoning and other notable covariates, to assess how participants performed in a simulated social media environment via the Misinformation Game, and whether they actively engaged with misinformation content.

Results: The results confirmed via a multiple mediation model (i.e., path analysis) that particular autistic traits, such as a lower ability to engage with imagination and higher attention to detail, were directly associated with false post engagement on the Misinformation Game and conspiracy theories. The relationship between autistic traits, conspiracy theories and misinformation was also partially mediated by scientific reasoning skills.

Limitations: This study was partially based on self-report methodology and did not use an entirely clinical sample.

Conclusion: There are particular autistic traits associated with the endorsement of misinformation and conspiracy theories which illustrate tendencies that could be focussed upon in future research to how best avoid misbeliefs.