Fact-checks reliably reduce belief in misinformation, but their effects diminish over time, partially due to forgetting—this is known as belief regression. Across two experiments, we tested whether memory-enhancing techniques could improve the long-term efficacy of fact-checks. In Experiment 1 (N= 555; one-week delay) we examined a mental-imagery-based mnemonic linking false and true claims to a ‘liar’and ‘truthteller’, respectively, alongside conditions varying the extent to which active encoding of the fact-check was encouraged. The mnemonic did not improve fact-check memory or reduce belief regression. In contrast, briefly summarizing fact-checks improved memory and sustained belief change relative to a control condition. Experiment 2 (N= 269) replicated the enhanced effectiveness of fact-checks in the summarization condition over a longer delay period (two weeks); however, belief regression did not significantly differ from control. These findings suggest that low-barrier interventions implemented at the time of encoding can improve the effectiveness of fact-checks but may not slow the rate of belief regression. To provide theoretical and practical insight into the drivers of belief regression, future research may benefit from examining the impact of retrieval-based interventions.
