Feeling “disinformed” lowers compliance with COVID-19 guidelines: Evidence from the US, UK, Netherlands and Germany

Abstract

This study indicates that, during the first phase of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in 2020, citizens from the US, UK, Netherlands, and Germany experienced relatively high levels of mis-and disinformation in their general information environment. We asked respondents to indicate the extent to which they experienced that general information on the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes, COVID-19) was erroneous or inaccurate ( misinformation ) or intentionally misleading ( disinformation ). Those who experienced misinformation were willing to seek further information and to comply with official guidelines. Individuals perceiving more disinformation - on the other hand - were less willing to seek additional information and reported lower willingness to comply with official guidelines.