4.3. Implications
Regarding theoretical implications, this study verifies the effectiveness of broad-spectrum inoculation-based interventions in confronting misinformation among the general public in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This serves as a powerful test of the applicability of the inoculation theory in the face of new challenges. The study also extends the inoculation theory with empirical evidence on whether the variables of perceived threat and persuasion knowledge play roles in the internal mechanisms of the effect of inoculation. Scholars have generally overlooked the topic of the underlying mechanisms of inoculation interventions and empirical examinations on this matter. This study establishes a link between the inoculation theory and the persuasion knowledge model, demonstrating the important role of persuasion knowledge on the effectiveness of inoculation-based interventions. This, in turn, provides a scientific basis for the development of more effective interventions.In addition, this study introduces a new misinformation type, spreading false knowledge, into the traditional broad-spectrum inoculation intervention. On the one hand, this is a type of misinformation that is characteristic of the times in the context of the pandemic [Regarding practical implications, on the one hand, this study configures a meaningful attempt to provide stakeholders with efficient methodologies to respond to the infodemic associated with COVID-19. In this study, we summarized the characteristics of misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a self-help, online fake news game based on the broad-spectrum inoculation theory, along with verifying its effectiveness in enhancing misinformation discrimination. This may serve as useful data, from a psychological perspective, for stakeholders invested (e.g., government departments, media, and academia) in preventing, controlling, and resisting the influence of misinformation and the negative effects it may bring to society if it becomes widespread [This research also validates the online game format as an effective approach for inoculation interventions, as described in prior research [