Card 4: Misinformation & Disinformation

Misinformation and Disinformation

What Exactly Does it Mean?

Misinformation is when someone shares false information without trying to trick anyone. For instance, if a neighbor tells you a storm is coming because they accidentally read an old weather report, that’s misinformation.

Disinformation is when someone shares false information on purpose to trick you. It’s a lie meant to make you believe something untrue. Disinformation can make it hard to know what’s real and what’s not and cause people to distrust each other.

How Misinformation and Disinformation Affect Us

Mis- and disinformation can affect more than just politics. They are a growing problem online that affects everyone, often without our realizing it. No one is entirely safe from their harmful effects.

For example:

• Disinformation on healthcare and vaccines can lead patients to avoid lifesaving treatments and increase the risk of fatal diseases.
• A phony video pretending to be someone you trust could trick you into giving criminals your SSN or bank account information.
• Disinformation spreading through areas affected by natural disasters can make it harder for government agencies to help people in need.

The Truth

Not everything we read online is true. Fake stories spread quickly, much like wildfire, especially on social media, making it hard to tell what is real and what isn’t. Check reliable, free news sources like AP News and Reuters for accurate reporting. Use fact-checking websites as they monitor fake stories.

Ways to Tell Truth from Fiction

• Read the whole article. Don’t just look at shocking headlines that could be misleading; read the full story for the complete picture. Then, check the source. Who created the story? Are they a real person or AI? Do they have a good reputation? Are they an expert?
• Check for additional sources. Are there links in the article that back up the story’s claims? Can you locate the same information from another source?
• Check the story date. Make sure the news is recent and not something that’s being presented as new.
• Is it a joke? If something sounds too crazy to be true, it could be a joke or made up to poke fun at someone. Look it up to be sure.

Be aware of confirmation bias. You’re more likely to trust a fake story if it seems to confirm something you already believe.

If you’re not sure, ask for help. Ask a librarian or a fact-checking website.

How Do We Stop Misinformation and Disinformation?

We can’t stop it all, but we can take some actions to keep it from spreading.

• If you see something on social media that makes you angry or upset, stop and ask whether it’s fact or fiction before you share.
• If you think something on social media is false, don’t respond. Every response or emoji pushes that story higher in the news feed.
• Don’t share or talk about a misleading story, even to debunk it with facts. Every share spreads the falsehood.