Information priming for resilience: strengthening belief systems in the age of deepfakes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31iConf64198Keywords:
Information priming, Multimodal deepfake information, Dual-process, Rich media, AIAbstract
Introduction. As artificial intelligence advances, deepfakes have emerged as a major cybersecurity threat. Most existing research emphasises perception or algorithmic development, leaving limited understanding of how to strengthen individuals' ability to discern truth from deception and avoid victimisation. This study investigated priming effects in deepfake detection through media richness theory and dual processing theory and proposes a framework for enhancing detection strategies.
Method. The experiment adopted a mixed design, with priming effect as a between-subjects factor across text, image, and multimedia modalities with embedded ground truth. Participants were assigned to the control, conceptual priming, and perceptual priming groups. Both subjective and objective data were collected to evaluate participants’ perceptions and detection performance.
Analysis. Descriptive analyses examined deepfake detection accuracy and reaction time. Qualitative questions explored participants’ perceptions of deepfake detection, prior experiences, and reflections.
Results. Multimedia provided rich cues that supported faster judgments, whereas lean media content demanded longer analysis. Conceptual priming promoted intuitive processes and encouraged deliberate detection strategies, while perceptual priming engaged reflective systems and heightened sensitivity to anomalies.
Conclusion(s). Information priming offers a practical approach to supporting users in distinguishing authenticity from deepfakes. Perceptual priming was more effective than conceptual priming, particularly when detecting manipulations in multimedia.
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