Overcoming Informational Conflict: The Role, Limits, and New Opportunities of Expert Voices in Crisis and Risk Communication

Xuerong Lu (PhD alum), Yan Jin, and Santosh Vijaykumar (forthcoming). "Overcoming Informational Conflict: The Role, Limits, and New Opportunities of Expert Voices in Crisis and Risk Communication." Crisis and Risk Communication. Abstract: This article examines the role of expert voices in correcting misinformation within crisis and risk communication, highlighting current limitations and future directions. As societies contend with crises, the rise of informational conflicts, including misinformation, polarization, and populism, has undermined the experts’ voices in correcting misinformation through accurate information. Grounded in theoretical frameworks and real-world case examples from recent public health emergencies, this article synthesizes key insights into the challenges and opportunities of expert-led misinformation correction. It identifies key research gaps and calls for a new research agenda to address the increasing challenges of informational conflict, emphasizing the need to understand the full potential of expert voices in the conflict-laden context.