Who engages with fact-checking? Identifying factors influencing exposure to and reading of multi-platform verification

Abstract

Fact-checkers have the potential to guide citizens toward accurate information, but it is unclear to what extent fact-checkers are reaching this potential among the general public as research on the factors that predict exposure to and deeper reading of fact-checks remains limited. Building on the Opportunity-Motivation-Ability Framework, this survey study (N = 2520) aims to address this research gap. A representative sample of the Flemish population was surveyed on their general fact-check exposure on different platforms and reading of fact-checks. By outlining the different media platforms, this study gives an in-depth overview of the predictive factors of both exposure and deeper reading. The results indicate that motivation (political interest and media skepticism) is a significant predictor of both exposure and reading. Opportunity (general news consumption) is less influential. Ability (education level and news media literacy) exerts varying influences on specific platforms. Overall, the findings suggest that mostly those with more opportunities, motivation and abilities are reached by fact-checks, and less so those who have fewer of these attributes.