Types of Misinformation

What exactly is misinformation?

Misinformation is "false information that is spread, regardless of intent to mislead." But not all misinformation is created equal, and intent can inform your approach when you spot misinformation.

3 types of Misinformation

  • Misinformation
    Information that is incorrect but shared in good faith.
    Examples: Posts from friends and family who were tricked by fake news, mistakes made by reputable news sources that are quickly and transparently corrected.

  • Disinformation
    Fake or misleading information shared to intentionally confuse or divide people.
    Examples: Fake news, hoaxes, manipulated content like “deep fakes"

  • Malinformation
    Information that takes some truth and distorts it to seem damaging, or to benefit the perpetrator.
    Examples: rumors, gossip, some ‘leaks’ of private information

Why it matters

Misinformation is a broad umbrella that covers a range of misleading information. Only when you know what kind of misinformation you're seeing can you respond appropriately. After all, you wouldn't respond to a friend sharing misinformation the same way you would respond to a fake news site. (we hope)

Intent matters. When you identify disinformation, you can block it and stop the lies at their source.

Sources