Data Visualization or Visual Exemplars? Testing the Differential Effects of AI-Generated Visual Correction Enhancements

This study investigates the efficacy of AI-generated visuals and potential credibility cues in correcting health-related misinformation. Using a pre-registered, factorial experiment (N = 1,751), we tested two AI-generated visual enhancements (visual exemplars, infographics) and two credibility boosters (source tagging, partisan neutrality in posting history). Findings revealed small but significant advantages of visual exemplars, but not infographics, over text-only corrections in reducing misbeliefs, primarily through mitigating psychological reactance. However, credibility cues did not significantly enhance correction effectiveness. Overall, the results suggest that AI-generated visual exemplars offer incremental persuasive benefits beyond textual correction alone.