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English: Intro to College Writing: Disinformation v Misinformation

Image: Banner for the misinformation & disinformation guide

Misinformation v. Disinformation

Misinformation

Incorrect information is shared without intending to confuse, harm, or mislead others.
  • false statistics
  • incorrect photo captions
  • misquotes
  • sharing of social media without verification

Disinformation

False information that is shared to deceive, confuse, or manipulate others, often for political or financial reasons
  • propaganda that pushes a particular narrative
  • deep fakes (manipulated video)
  • conspiracy theories
  • rumors

 

News stories on both misinformation and disinformation

How disinformation around Jan. 6 riot has downplayed violence, divided Americans

Image: Links to PBS Newshour video on disinformation since Jan 6 riot

 

“How Disinformation around Jan. 6 Riot Has Downplayed Violence, Divided Americans.” PBS NewsHour, 5 Jan. 2022, www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-disinformation-around-jan-6-riot-has-downplayed-violence-divided-americans.

 

“Danah Boyd on the Spread of Conspiracies and Hate Online | Amanpour and Company.” Www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sthBM6vb2i4&t=763s.

After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News

Image: Screenshot of an intersection in a small Texas town. Image links to video.

 

Films Media Group. (2020). After truth: Disinformation and the cost of fake news. Films On Demand. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=102567&xtid=206150.

Logo: The Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council on Disinformation

The rise of the internet and online social networks has altered the scope and scale at which people access, consume, and communicate information. But the same technologies that have democratized access to information have also enabled malicious actors who seek to undermine our democratic values and processes. Disinformation is false or misleading information spread with the intention to deceive. It’s distinct from misinformation, which is the unintentional spread of false information. When left unchecked, disinformation has the potential to sow confusion in public dialogue, exacerbate political polarization, and promote distrust in our political systems and democratic institutions.

Mural painting "Disinformation" by Kevin Ledo of a woman with a red blindfold over her eyes.

Disinformation by Kevin Ledo seen at Wynwood, Miami, Miami. (2021). Www.wescover.com. https://www.wescover.com/p/murals-by-kevin-ledo-at-wynwood-miami--PBk9GyaUfB