Misinformation vs. Disinformation: What Is the Difference? 2023

You probably see a lot of false information online, perhaps without even realizing it. But how can you discern disinformation from misinformation?

When we encounter false information, one of two things could be at play: misinformation or disinformation. These terms are commonly used interchangeably but don’t refer to the same thing.

So how do misinformation and disinformation differ?

What Is Misinformation?

Misinformation is simply inaccurate information that’s spread regardless of intent. Those involved in its spread have no idea what they have taken as fact is, in fact, untrue.

These days, misinformation has a wider, more devastating effect due to social media and the internet, i.e., it’s exacerbated by the ease at which everything is now shared.

For instance, misinformation has been spread, stating that vaccines cause infertility, autism, and death. This has led to many, including celebrities, refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging others not to either. Consequently, the vaccine has been met with resistance in various quarters.

Features of Misinformation

Misinformation can lead to confusion and misguided actions. It can also have adverse effects on various sectors of the society. Here are some features of misinformation.

Inaccuracy and Intent

First, misinformation is partially or totally inaccurate info. It contains errors and distortions that haven’t been verified and are not supported by reliable sources.

Some individuals and entities may indeed spread false information willingly, but misinformation is usually disseminated without the intent to deceive. Those propagating its spread have no idea that the information they have is wrong.

Exploits Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is a tendency to interpret and accept information supporting and crediting your preexisting beliefs and opinions. It leads people to pay attention to information that aligns with their beliefs and discard information that does otherwise.

Misinformation often feeds on confirmation biases, making others more susceptible to accepting and sharing it without verifying its authenticity.

Fast Spread

Misinformation is typically sensational news, leading people to share it almost as soon as they receive it (or read a headline without exploring a full article). With the advent of social media, this spread is multiplied, making it difficult to control.

Deceptive Images

Misinformation may contain manipulative images that seem to support its credibility or have some form of emotional impact. This visual content may be edited or taken out of context.

Effects of Misinformation

Primarily, misinformation erodes trust in reliable sources like news outlets, scientific research platforms, and other experts. This happens when misinformation is placed alongside or is identical to authentic information, leading to difficulties differentiating between them. It’s usually sensational enough to influence behaviors and actions, leading to misguided decisions on various levels.

Misinformation in the areas of health and medicine is particularly dangerous. Wrong information on treatments, remedies, vaccines, and preventions can lead to you compromising your health and the health of others.

Misinformation can lead to conflict and increase tension among different groups. Misinformation can also promote violence and segregation of people, leading to societal discord.

What Is Disinformation?

Disinformation refers to deliberately spreading false information to deceive, create chaos, mislead, and manipulate people.

Unlike misinformation, which can be spread without malicious intent, disinformation is spread with the explicit purpose of deceiving and often with a specific agenda. It can come from many sources too, including AI spreading disinformation.

Features of Disinformation

Disinformation has some major features that set it apart from unintentional misinformation. Here are the main features of disinformation.

Malicious Intent and Strategic Objectives

Disinformation is spread with malicious intent and is usually known to be false. It’s crafted to deceive anyone reading it, intending to incite violence, defame, and cause conflict and division.

It’s also spread with strategic goals and objectives, such as influencing elections or promoting a viewpoint or opinion.

Disguised as Legitimate Information

Disinformation is frequently disguised as legitimate information or info from a reputable source to aid in its propagation. This makes it difficult to distinguish it from accurate information.

Long-Term Impacts

Disinformation can be debunked, disproved, and vehemently denied, but its impacts aren’t soon forgotten. They can influence decisions, trust, and perceptions long after the information is proven false.

Targeted Audiences

It typically has a target audience, and this can be based on their race, biases, political inclinations, and emotional triggers. This helps increase its impact and propagate its spread.

Effects of Disinformation

The impact of disinformation can be damaging and wide-ranging, It can erode trust in institutions, the media, and other credible, reliable sources of information. When disinformation is very similar to accurate information, you may become unsure of even credible sources, as it can be difficult to differentiate between both.

Disinformation can cause societal division too, especially when it plays to certain confirmation biases. Disinformation can create echo chambers where people are only exposed to information that backs what they previously believed. This can also lead to hostility and polarization.That means it amplifies conspiracy theories, leading to the widespread acceptance of baseless and harmful beliefs that lack credibility.

Individuals and organizations targeted by disinformation campaigns may suffer reputational damage too.

How to Spot Misinformation and Disinformation

Identifying misinformation and disinformation is crucial, as false information can spread rapidly and have serious consequences. Here are some tips to help you spot misinformation and disinformation.

1. Verify and Cross-Check Details

Image Credit: Freepik

Before trusting any information, verify from reputable media sources like well-established news outlets, government websites, academic institutions, and well-known experts.

And don’t rely on one source for information. Be sure you cross-check from multiple sources. If several credible sources report a story, it is more likely to be true. You can even use tools to spot fake news and ease your concerns.

2. Read Beyond the Headlines

Don’t fall for clickbait!

Shady media ad blog sites use catchy, sensational headlines to attract clicks and views. The main body could be some simple information or totally different from the information the headline tries to convey.

3. Consider Your Biases

Make sure you consider your own biases. If you come across information that strongly supports an unverified, existing belief you have, you should at least question the other point of view.

4. Watch Out for Misleading Images

Those spreading disinformation may use edited images to make their information appear credible. They could also take images out of context to suit their narrative. You can employ reverse image search tools for iPhone and Android to verify the authenticity of images you come across.

Misinformation and Disinformation: Menaces of the Media Age

Information travels at lightning speeds—and so does misinformation and disinformation.

However, there are ways to tackle this menace. If you take time to verify and commit to sharing information responsibly, it is possible to reduce the impact of this menace.

Categories: Tips & Tricks
Source: Tekmonk Famous Biography