Comparative Approaches to Mis/Disinformation| Selective Belief: How Partisanship Drives Belief in Misinformation

Abstract

The use of disinformation in political campaigns is not a new phenomenon, but the issue has acquired renewed attention because digital media makes it relatively easier to spread disinformation. Through a cross-sectional survey (N = 1,820) on the 2019 Indonesian national elections, we analyze the relationship among belief in misinformation, social media use, and partisanship. The analysis shows that although the political use of social media is not associated with belief in misinformation, partisanship is strongly associated with belief in various types of misinformation, depending on whether their own candidate or the opposing candidate is targeted. The findings are interpreted through the concept of selective belief. This study contributes to theoretical debates on the association among belief in misinformation, social media use, and partisanship, and addresses the role of disinformation in electoral politics in Indonesia.