Misinformation & Disinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong.
Disinformation is false information which is deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts driven by propaganda.

“The spread of misinformation and disinformation has affected our ability to improve public health, address climate change, maintain a stable democracy.” ~apa.org

We live in a society that is involved so deeply with social media that it informs much of our thinking and actions. Part of what makes misinformation & disinformation so effective is that people are exposed to it and easily share it widely among friends, peers & others who trust them with no intention to mislead anyone. Which is why it is imperative that one researches the facts before spreading thoughts, ideas & information. Most misinformation starts with some basic true information & then spreads like wildfire, with each person adding to the storyline, and in the end, the basic truth nowhere resembles the initial thread.

In our social media age, we rely on opinions of others, even strangers. On Amazon, we often research products and make judgements based on reviews of others. Everywhere people are making comments, sharing thoughts, emotions, opinions and feelings (often without filtering or fact checking).

People are more likely to share misinformation if it aligns with their personal beliefs, regardless of the truth.

Evaluating information for its accuracy takes effort.

“The emotional content of misinformation plays a role as well: People are more likely to believe false statements that appeal to emotions such as fear and outrage. They are also more likely to believe misinformation that paints opponents in a negative light than they are to believe misinformation that is negative about their own in-group.”~apa.org

To really know the truth, you have to do your own research.

Get the facts, learn the truth, stop spreading misinformation.