Disinformation ≠ Misinformation — The Language of Distortion.
We throw around terms like “fake news” and “disinfo.”
But if we don’t define them clearly, we help the problem spread.
Let’s break down the differences—and why they matter.
We throw around terms like “fake news” and “disinfo.”
But if we don’t define them clearly, we help the problem spread.
Let’s break down the differences—and why they matter.
#Disinformation #PostTruth #MediaLiteracy
Not all falsehoods are created equal.
Some are accidental.
Some are deliberate.
Some are designed to do damage.
The distinctions aren’t just academic—they’re strategic.
Not all falsehoods are created equal.
Some are accidental.
Some are deliberate.
Some are designed to do damage.
The distinctions aren’t just academic—they’re strategic.
🔹 Misinformation
False or misleading info—spread without intent to deceive.
Example:
Your uncle shares a fake story about vaccines because he thinks it’s true.
It’s wrong. But it’s not calculated.
False or misleading info—spread without intent to deceive.
Example:
Your uncle shares a fake story about vaccines because he thinks it’s true.
It’s wrong. But it’s not calculated.
🔹 Disinformation
False or manipulated info—spread with intent to mislead or manipulate.
Example:
A state media outlet plants a story about Ukraine using crisis actors.
It’s a tactic. A tool. A weapon.
False or manipulated info—spread with intent to mislead or manipulate.
Example:
A state media outlet plants a story about Ukraine using crisis actors.
It’s a tactic. A tool. A weapon.
🔹 Malinformation
True information—used out of context to cause harm.
Example:
Leaking personal data to discredit someone.
The facts are real.
The goal is sabotage.
True information—used out of context to cause harm.
Example:
Leaking personal data to discredit someone.
The facts are real.
The goal is sabotage.
So why do these distinctions matter?
Because when we call everything “fake news,” we flatten the threat.
We make it sound random.
But disinformation is targeted and tactical.
Because when we call everything “fake news,” we flatten the threat.
We make it sound random.
But disinformation is targeted and tactical.
It’s not just about spreading lies.
It’s about breaking trust.
About flooding the field.
So no one knows who to believe.
It’s about breaking trust.
About flooding the field.
So no one knows who to believe.
The result?
You disengage.
You get cynical.
You stop trusting everything—
And in that vacuum, power wins.
You disengage.
You get cynical.
You stop trusting everything—
And in that vacuum, power wins.
That’s why we start here:
Naming the problem correctly.
Because if you can’t tell a lie from a weapon, you’re already losing the war.
#PostTruth #Disinformation #InfoWarfare #MediaLiteracy
Naming the problem correctly.
Because if you can’t tell a lie from a weapon, you’re already losing the war.
#PostTruth #Disinformation #InfoWarfare #MediaLiteracy
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