Disinformation and how to detect it!

An important distinction to make is that disinformation does not mean misinformation. Someone can spread misinformation innocently by saying or writing things that are untrue while believing them to be true.

Definition Disinformation and Misinformation:

Disinformation is the deliberate and purposeful distribution of false information. The term is generally used to describe an organized campaign to deceptively distribute untrue material intended to influence public opinion.

Misinformation Misinformation is a type of fake news, which is false information reported by media outlets or shared by regular people. The term “fake news” describes a range of false information.

How to identify disinformation:

• makes a bold statement on a controversial issue
• makes an extraordinary claim
• seems too good to be true
• contains clickbait (“You won’t believe this!”)
• contains clickbait (such as “You won’t believe this video!”)
• use fact-checking tools
• verify the facts with other sources

What kinds of misinformation and disinformation are out there?

• Fabricated content: completely false content.
• Manipulated content: content that includes distortions of genuine information or imagery — a headline, for example, that is made more sensationalist to serve as "clickbait."
• Imposter content: material involving impersonation of genuine sources — by using the branding of an established news agency, for instance.
• Misleading content: information presented in a misleading way — by, for example, presenting comment as fact.
• False context of connection: factually accurate content that is shared with false contextual information — for example, a headline that does not reflect the content of an article.
• Satire and parody: humorous but false stores presented as if they are true. Although this isn't usually categorized as fake news, it may unintentionally fool readers.