Title: A War of (Mis)Information: The Political Effects of Rumors and Rumor Rebuttals in an Authoritarian Country

Abstract:

This study investigates the impact of anti-government rumors on Chinese citizens' views. Using experimental surveys, it reveals that such rumors consistently lower trust in government and regime support.

Across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, individuals show similar vulnerability to even thinly evidenced claims circulating online.

While general rebuttals reduce belief in specific rumors, they rarely fully restore political confidence.

High-quality evidence or endorsements from widely trusted independent figures are crucial for effective rumor control.

However, obtaining such strong refutations proves exceptionally difficult. These findings highlight significant challenges in authoritarian misinformation management and offer broader implications for rumor studies.