Belief in Channels, Trust in Scientists, Perception of Capacity: The Impact of Conflicting Information on Information Seeking Intention

Guided by the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, this study explores how conflicting information shapes individuals’ relevant channel beliefs and trust in scientists, as well as how these two factors interact with perceived information gathering capacity to predict information seeking intention. The research context is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, a novel environmental health risk. A one-way between-subjects experiment with 1,232 adult participants from the United States was conducted. Results indicated that exposure to conflicting information weakened relevant channel beliefs and trust in scientists. Through relevant channel beliefs, conflicting information was negatively associated with information seeking intention. Participants with the highest levels of relevant channel beliefs and perceived information gathering capacity exhibited greatest information seeking intention. These findings highlight the importance of providing consistent and credible information to the public to promote information seeking about a novel risk.