In an era where misinformation and propaganda spread rapidly online, researchers are developing innovative strategies to combat their influence. One of the most promising approaches is inoculation, a psychological technique that equips people with cognitive defenses against false information before they encounter it.

But how effective is this method, and can it be a viable long-term solution?

What is inoculation?

The concept of inoculation originates from the work of social psychologist William McGuire in the 1960s. Similar to a vaccine that exposes the immune system to a weakened virus to build resistance, inoculation theory suggests that exposing individuals to a weakened form of misinformation can strengthen their ability to reject it when confronted with stronger, more persuasive falsehoods.

More to read:
Grok busts Elon Musk as a medium for spreading misinformation to billions of people

Sander van der Linden, a leading researcher at the University of Cambridge, has adapted this theory to combat modern misinformation. His studies indicate that by preemptively warning people about deceptive tactics—such as emotional manipulation or selective data use—they become more resistant to misinformation.