Determinants of the backfire effect: Discrepancies between two groups with different political orientations

Abstract

In this study, we explored the determinants of the backfire effect by analysing supporters’ reactions to information propagated by the opposition camps. We focused on the topic of pork consumption. The study cohort (N = 971) comprised the supporters of the pan-blue (N = 422) and pan-green (N = 549) camps in Taiwan. Data were collected through an online survey. The echo chambers and message response emerged as robust factors influencing the backfire effect on individuals regardless of their political orientation. Message presentation negatively affected the induction of backfire effects. For the pan-green supporters, behavioural control and animal welfare attitude, respectively, exerted positive and negative influences on the induction of backfire effects. Our findings provide insights into the determinants of the backfire effect, a phenomenon wherein individuals fail to differentiate between fact and fiction despite receiving credible corrective information.