Research from the Ruhr University Bochum highlights that the information individuals actively select online has a more significant impact on their beliefs than information encountered passively. This phenomenon, known as the “truth effect,” suggests that the act of clicking on a headline can enhance the perceived credibility of the information presented, influencing perceptions of truth and falsehood.
In a study published on January 24, 2026, in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, a team led by Dr. Moritz Ingendahl from the university’s Social Cognition Lab conducted eight experiments involving nearly 1,000 participants. The research demonstrated that when individuals choose to engage with specific information, such as the statement “The bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world,” they are more likely to believe it to be true than if they simply encountered it randomly.
Active Selection Enhances Credibility
The findings reveal that participants not only rated repeated information as more credible but also that this effect was amplified when the information was self-selected. “We were able to see, in accordance with past studies, that the subjects gave more credence to reiterated information than to new information,” Ingendahl explained. “Reiteration has a bigger impact when the subjects selected the information themselves instead of when it was presented randomly.”
This insight is particularly relevant in the context of digital media, where the act of sharing reiterated information can lead to its spread across social platforms. The researchers noted that individuals often curate their media consumption by choosing whom to follow and which articles to click on. Moreover, online platforms typically present information in a way that requires user interaction to access complete content, thereby enhancing the effect of self-selection.
The Impact of Cognitive Engagement
The researchers suggest that the underlying reason for the increased influence of self-selected information lies in cognitive processing. “Actively searching for information entails more alertness and cognitive resources,” Ingendahl stated. Participants exhibited better recall for information they had actively chosen compared to that which was presented without their input.
This finding raises concerns about the potential for misinformation to gain traction online. The study indicates that self-selected information can make individuals more susceptible to believing and sharing false narratives. Conversely, the researchers propose that well-presented fact-checking information could also benefit from the same cognitive engagement, potentially enhancing its effectiveness.
The implications of this research extend beyond individual behavior; they highlight the importance of understanding how information dissemination works in the digital age. As people increasingly curate their online experiences, recognizing the psychological mechanisms at play can help in developing strategies to combat misinformation and promote accurate information sharing.
