Others are more affected than me: the influence of presumed influence and affective responses on misinformation correction intentions

Purpose Individuals' corrective behavior is a crucial strategy for addressing the proliferation of misinformation on social media. Informed by the influence of presumed media influence (IPMI) framework, this study investigates the pathways linking individuals' own exposure to misinformation on COVID-19 to their intentions to correct it. Design/methodology/approach A nationally representative survey was conducted with 1,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents. The proposed mechanism was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings Individuals' own exposure to COVID-19 misinformation was positively associated with their perception of others' exposure, which in turn influenced their perceived severity and susceptibility of COVID-19 misinformation on others. Additionally, individuals' presumed others' exposure to COVID-19 misinformation, perceived severity of misinformation on others and their negative affective responses serially mediated the relationship between their own exposure to misinformation and correction intention. Individuals' own exposure to COVID-19 misinformation was not significantly related to their perceived influence of misinformation on self, while both perceived threats of misinformation on self were positively linked to their affective responses, which ultimately influenced correction intention. Originality/value Our paper reveals a self-other discrepancy in perceived misinformation influence, where individuals underestimate effects on themselves while overestimating impacts on others. We also refined presumed media influence into two dimensions – perceived severity and susceptibility – which function differently in shaping responses. Additionally, we identify a pathway linking personal misinformation exposure to correction intention through serial mediation effects. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2025-0183