Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2025
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communication Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle Van Maanen
Abstract
The increased proliferation of misinformation and disinformation has been a cause for concern in the 21st century, as it has had significant repercussions on societal systems and the overall livelihood of individuals. Additionally, a 2016 study revealed that 84% of the American respondents are confident in their ability to detect misinformation and disinformation, while 64% believed that misinformation and disinformation made others confused about current affairs and events (Barthel et al., 2016). These results confirm that some people are not cognizant of the effects of media messages on themselves, but on others (TPE). Due to this implied ignorance, the spread of misinformation and disinformation increases. Therefore, this study was aimed at analyzing people’s perceptions about the effects of misinformation and disinformation on others. It analyzed individuals’ perceived ability to detect misinformation and disinformation. It also assessed the effect that TPE had on people’s likelihood of sharing misinformation and disinformation. Additionally, this research also assessed whether an individual’s level of TPE will influence their chances of supporting corrective actions to combat the propagation of misinformation and disinformation. The findings showed that as people’s perceived beliefs about the effects of misinformation and disinformation on others increased, an individual’s ability to detect such messages will decrease. The results also showed that the warning type (flagging, inoculation) had no effect on an individuals’ level of TPE. This study has both theoretical and practical implications for researchers, Journalists and members of the democratic system. Future directions and suggestions for future researchers are also highlighted.
Subject Categories
Mass Communication
Keywords
third person effect (TPE), misinformation, disinformation, flagging, inoculation
Number of Pages
101
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Tyson, Jody-Ann Kadine, "The Third Person Effect: Misinformation and Disinformation of News on Racism" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. 325.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/325