Abstract
In the digital age, online platforms have become central to how we consume news and information. However, they frequently expose users to contradictory news content, causing cognitive dissonance - discomfort resulting from the conflict between new and pre-existing knowledge and/or beliefs. Based on Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Prominence-Interpretation Theory (PIT), the current research explores how people interpret and process conflicting content on digital platforms. Through the examination of the resulting cognitive responses, the research hopes to develop a greater understanding of digital media literacy, platform trust perceptions, and the mechanisms of dissonance resolution in online news consumption.
Recommended Citation
Abdolhossein Khani, Ghazal; Baham, Corey; and Luse, Andy, "Scrolling Through Contradictions: The Cognitive Impact of Discrepant News Exposure on Social Media" (2025). MWAIS 2025 Proceedings. 28.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/mwais2025/28