Inoculation Theory As A Design Approach To Gamified Misinformation Interventions

In the last decade trust in news sources has fallen globally, reflecting increasing public concern about misinformation. Inoculation theory is a pre-emptive cognitive approach to fighting misinformation, which in recent years has been a foundational theory for several serious games. While many game-based interventions have been found to be efficacious, there is a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms which make them work. This review critically engages with the current state of gamified interventions for misinformation, identifies gaps in game design and research, and investigates the relationship between inoculation theory and game design. We find that homogeneity in design has left some areas of game design underexplored, and discussion surrounding game design decisions – particularly the integration of inoculation theory components – is often superficial. We call for deeper exploration of game design and the integration of inoculation theory components, proposing a hypothetical model of inoculation theory in gamified contexts.