Fact-checking to tackle infodemics and misinformation, with a focus on HPV vaccines

Overview

This research aims to develop and evaluate a suite of feasible interventions based on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies – such as fact-checking extensions, real-time dashboards, and chatbots – that improve the ability to debunk misinformation, boost self-efficacy in the vaccination decision-making process, and increase the acceptance of the HPV vaccine in Japan, Korea and China.

The real-time dashboard could help to track misinformation regarding HPV and vaccines, and all the project interventions could be implemented across major social media platforms to facilitate HPV vaccine adoption.

A further goal of this study is to identify the underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy and potential entry points for interventions by conducting in-depth interviews with HPV vaccine stakeholders.

Methodology

The research uses a suite of mixed-methods data collection and analysis as well as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Summary

Project date:

2022 - present

Countries:

Topics:

Team leads

Dr. Leesa Lin

Key partners

Latest content

Publications

A vaccine chatbot intervention for parents to improve HPV vaccination uptake among middle school girls: a cluster randomized trial

This study assesses the effectiveness of a vaccine chatbot in improving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among female middle school students aged 12–15 years across diverse socioeconomic settings in China, where HPV vaccination is primarily paid out-of-pocket.

Publications

Mapping global public perspectives on mRNA vaccines and therapeutics

We conducted a social listening analysis to assess attitudes towards mRNA vaccines and therapeutics on Twitter from June 2022 to May 2023. Our findings reveal widespread negative sentiment and a global lack of confidence in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, with frequent discussions of severe vaccine side effects, rumors, and misinformation.