DISINFORMATION

Definition: False or misleading information that is knowingly created and spread to deceive or manipulate people.

Key Traits:

- Intentionally deceptive

- May be produced by governments, trolls, bots, or bad actors

- Often part of a coordinated propaganda strategy

Example:

A state-run media outlet falsely claims a COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in order to undermine trust in Western medicine.

Impact:

Much more dangerous. Disinformation erodes democratic systems and can incite real-world harm.

 

MISINFORMATION

Definition: False or misleading information shared without the intent to deceive.

Key Traits:

- Often spread by people who believe it’s true

- Usually emotionally charged or simplified

- Comes from lack of fact-checking, not malice

Example:

Someone shares a post saying “The Bodies Exhibit used political prisoners” after seeing a tweet — unaware that it’s an unproven claim.

Impact:  Still harmful. Misinformation can go viral fast and distort public understanding.

 

Easy Memory Trick

- Misinformation = Mistake- Disinformation = Deception

⚠️ Watch for These Red Flags

🚨 All-caps emotional headlines Clickbait / viral bait

❌ Lack of sources or verification Red flag for misinformation

🧩 Overly neat explanations of complex issues May be disinformation

🔄 Shared by friends or influencers without fact-checking Misinformation risk

🐍 Origin traced to troll farms, bot accounts, or sketchy domains Likely disinformation