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Types of Misinformation

Center for an Informed Public

University of Washington

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TURN & TALK:

  • Misinformation vs. Disinformation: What’s the difference?

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MISINFORMATION VS. DISINFORMATION

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Misinformation

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Information that is false, but not necessarily intentionally false.

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Misinformation

Mistake

Information that is false, but not necessarily intentionally false.

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Misinformation

Mistake

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Why would someone share this?

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Why is this considered misinformation?

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Disinformation

Deliberate

False or misleading information that is deliberately shared for a reason — e.g., financial, political, or reputational.

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Disinformation

Often partly true, but layered with distortions or exaggerations.

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Functions as a campaign — as set of information actions — rather than just one piece of content.

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Disinformation

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Why would someone create this?

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Why is this considered disinformation?

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Information that is false, but not necessarily intentionally false.

MISINFORMATION �

  • Uncertainty
  • Out of fear
  • To inform people

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  • To protect people
  • A display of identity�

DISINFORMATION �

  • Spread chaos
  • Undermine trust among the public

False and misleading information that is purposely spread.

  • Make money
  • Achieve a political goal�

MOTIVES

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RESOURCE | “7 Types of Mis- and Disinformation” from First Draft News

TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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FABRICATED CONTENT

Content that is 100% false and meant to deceive or do harm.

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TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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FABRICATED CONTENT

Content that is 100% false and meant to deceive or do harm.

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Given this definition, is fabricated content a type of misinformation or disinformation?

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TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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SATIRE OR PARODY

Intentionally false information often used to bring attention to an issue. No intention to harm, but can fool people.

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TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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SATIRE OR PARODY

Intentionally false information often used to bring attention to an issue. No intention to harm, but can fool people.

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What issue is this piece of satire trying to bring attention to?

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TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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IMPOSTER CONTENT

Material involving impersonation of genuine sources → When people pretend to be someone else.

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This is not LeBron James official account, but someone pretending to be him.

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TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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FALSE CONNECTION�

When headlines, visuals, and captions do not support the content.

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The linked article does not say that people should stop using sunscreen, and makes a point of saying the study cited should not cause alarm.

TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

Full headline: “FDA Warns Chemicals From Sunscreen Enter Your Bloodstream After One Day”

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MISLEADING CONTENT

Misleading use of information, often partly true.

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It is true that there were 19,907 adverse reactions, etc., reported on VAERS after people got the COVID vaccine.

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But, this post leaves out important information: anyone can report any symptoms they have after getting a vaccine even though they may not be related to the vaccine.

TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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FALSE CONTEXT�

When genuine content is shared with false contextual information.

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This image showing the shrinking of arctic sea ice is genuine, but it shows a change over 32 years, not 10.

TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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MANIPULATED CONTENT�

Content that contains distortions of genuine information or imagery.

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This genuine image was given a black and white filter to make it look like it was taken in 1932. It was really taken in 2016 on the set of the movie Dunkirk.

TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

World’s first dab in 1932!

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MANIPULATED CONTENT�

TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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Review types we discussed & look for one new way to label mis- and disinformation.

REVIEW: TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION: CLICKBAIT

FALSE CONNECTION

When headlines, visuals, & captions do not support the content.�

FALSE CONTEXT

When genuine (real) content is shared with false contextual information.

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MANIPULATED CONTENT

Content that contains distortions of genuine information or imagery.

FABRICATED CONTENT�100% false, meant to deceive. �

SATIRE OR PARODY

Intentionally false, often used to bring attention to an issue.

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IMPOSTER CONTENT�Someone pretending to be someone else.

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MISLEADING CONTENT�Partly true, important information left out.

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  1. Work with your partner to decide whether each post is an example of misinformation or disinformation and which type.�
  2. Explain your thinking – there’s not always one right answer!��[10 minutes]��
  3. Each group will share out about one example.

ACTIVITY: TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

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Choose one of the pieces of mis- and disinformation and discuss:

  • Why do you think the creator made this? What do they want you to do?
  • Why do you think people shared it?
  • Who benefits from the message?

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Think about all the types of misinformation we looked at today and discuss:

  • Which type(s) do you think you see the most?
  • Which type(s) are easiest to spot? Hardest?
  • What type(s) do you think are most harmful?

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DISCUSSION: TYPES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION