The impact of cyberchondria on the inability to detect fake news and the avoidance of COVID-19 information: A Stressor–Stress–Outcome model perspective

Using a Stressor–Stress–Outcome framework, this study investigates how cyberchondria impairs students’ ability to detect COVID-19-related fake news and examines how this impairment mediates the relationship between cyberchondria and information avoidance among Shiraz University students. This study falls under the category of quantitative and fundamental research and was conducted using a descriptive survey method. The statistical population consisted of all students at Shiraz University, with a sample of 506 students selected for the research. Participants were recruited through relevant social networks on a voluntary basis. Data collection was achieved through a questionnaire, and the data analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS software. To develop the questionnaire, existing relevant questionnaires were reviewed, and a new questionnaire was created based on this literature by the researcher. The validity of the research tool was assessed through consultation with several experts in knowledge and information science. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaires was evaluated after administration to a group of 30 participants. The results showed that Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (internal consistency) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) were all within acceptable ranges, confirming the reliability and convergent validity of the research model. Furthermore, the HTMT divergent validity index for both variables was found to be less than 0.9, indicating satisfactory divergent validity of the research instrument. The research findings indicated that cyberchondria negatively and significantly affects the ability to detect fake news. However, this variable does not directly influence information avoidance. Conversely, the ability to detect fake news has a negative and significant impact on information avoidance. Additionally, the ability to detect fake news significantly mediates the relationship between cyberchondria and information avoidance. This study investigated how the inability to recognise fake news affects the avoidance of COVID-19 information. It found that cyberchondria may impair individuals’ ability to identify fake news, which can result in poor and sometimes dangerous decision-making concerning COVID-19. These practical implications are crucial for developing effective information and education strategies for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges. The impact of cyberchondria on the ability to detect fake news and avoid misinformation has not been thoroughly investigated. The results of this study can assist the scientific community and health officials in understanding how cyberchondria influences information dissemination and avoidance related to COVID-19. This understanding can, in turn, help promote more effective public awareness strategies and methods.