Misinformation vs Disinformation



Welcome!


Definition of Misinformation and Disinformation


Disinformation is all sorts of false, inaccurate, or misleading information designed, presented and promited to intentionally cause public harm or for profit. Misinformation is information that is unintentionally partially wrong or misleading.

The Difference of Misinformation and Disinformation


Misinformatioin is false information that is spread unintentionally, or on accident. However, disinformation is false information that is spread intentionally to harm the public, or to gain profit from someone. The main difference between misinformation and disinformation is the purpose, or intention behind spreading false information.

How are both of these a problem for social media users?


Both of these are a problem for social media users because they may get false information. This can lead to mistakes, and in the worst case scenario, a punishment.


How are they being spread on social media?


Misinformation and disinformation is being spread on social media through newspaper articles, posts, and video uploads. With features such as youtube shorts becoming popular, it is easy for someone to scroll through and see a short video that gives either misinformation or disinformation. There can also be posts on apps such as instagram and twitter that can spread false information.

How is AI, video, and audio a part of the problem?


AI is a problem with the spread of disinformation because campaigns can use AI to send realistic photographs or videos to people which makes it really convincing to believe whatever they tell you. Video and audio is a part of the problem because there can be edits to certain video footages that take away the context and give false information.


Who is spreading misinformation and disinformation and why?


Misinformation can be spreaded by journalists who have minimal time to publish their article, and so they rush it. This can lead to articles that include inaccurate, or false information. Disinformation on the other hand, can be spreaded by campaigns that gain something from public harm or profit from someone else.