Exploring Dehumanization and Infrahumanization as Underlying Factors in Misinformation Belief and Spread

Abstract

An examination of the literature in misinformation research shows a gap in the area of dehumanization and the related phenomenon of infrahumanization, each of which demonstrates how individuals reduce the human characteristics of others in blatant or subtle ways. This paper examines dehumanizing and infrahumanizing behavior as potential motives and user characteristics in the spread of and belief in misinformation. It is theorized that attitudes expressed against outgroup members reflect the degree to which one infrahumanizes others, with the result that one might more willingly believe and spread misinformation about a targeted outgroup. This paper contributes to the literature in its suggestion of a novel and understudied area in misinformation, identifying key concepts and important considerations for advancing the field of misinformation studies.

Andrew Weiss

California State University

Andrew Weiss is Digital Services Librarian at California State University, Northridge and a PhD candidate for the Manchester Metropolitan and San Jose State Universities’ Gateway PhD program. His research focuses on misinformation and fake news.