Source confusion is a cognitive bias where individuals remember content but cannot accurately recall where they encountered it. In online communities, this can lead to the spread of information without proper credit or the misattribution of facts, potentially undermining discussions or credibility. This bias often arises in fast-paced forums where ideas and sources are exchanged rapidly.
Community managers can reduce source confusion by encouraging users to provide citations and reference their claims. Creating a culture of accountability and fact-checking ensures the integrity and reliability of shared information.
In a science forum, a user might share a statistic but attribute it to the wrong study. Moderators can assist by identifying the correct source and reminding members of the importance of accurate referencing.