To defuse health misinformation with loved ones during family gatherings, it is advisable to adopt an approach based on empathy, active listening, and finding common ground rather than direct confrontation.

noli's read

Research in social psychology and communication widely supports this benevolent approach. In a consensus report published in 2024, the American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that to counter misinformation, empathy and listening to the other person's emotions are crucial to avoid cognitive reactance, which is the act of becoming defensive and reinforcing one's own beliefs. Similarly, the Surgeon General of the United States' practical guide (2021) recommends prioritizing mutual trust and validating the interlocutor's fears before presenting them with facts. A meta-analysis led by Chan et al. (2017) in the journal Psychological Science confirms that debunking is effective, but often fails if the exchange pushes the other person to defend themselves aggressively. It is necessary, however, to moderate one's expectations: studies show that changing deeply held convictions within the family circle is a long process that rarely leads to an instantaneous change of opinion. Preserving the emotional bond and the quality of the relationship therefore remains the primary realistic goal of these exchanges.

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