Abstract

Misinformation has become a pervasive global challenge, amplified by rapid technological advances and the 
widespread use of digital platforms. Prebunking, an early, preventive intervention designed to inoculate 
individuals against future misinformation, has emerged as a promising strategy to increase resilience across 
diverse cultural and digital contexts. This paper reviews the conceptual foundations, methodological approaches, 
and cross-cultural and cross-platform evidence regarding prebunking interventions. Prebunking leverages 
inoculation theory by exposing individuals to weakened forms of misinformation alongside targeted forewarnings, 
fostering critical evaluation and resistance to subsequent misleading messages. Evidence indicates that prebunking 
is effective across multiple countries, age groups, and platforms, including social media feeds, messaging apps, and 
interactive simulations. Design principles, such as the use of combined audiovisual content, culturally sensitive 
framing, and active user engagement, enhance intervention effectiveness. Ethical considerations, including 
informed consent, user autonomy, and risk–benefit assessments, are central to implementation. Overall, 
integrating prebunking into public communication strategies offers a scalable, context-sensitive approach to 
mitigating the spread of misinformation globally.