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Misinformation, Disinformation and Digital Media Literacy: Mis/Disinformation

This guide equips users with tools and strategies to evaluate information, identify false or misleading content, and navigate digital media effectively.

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What is Misinformation and Disinformation?

Misinformation is "false [or inaccurate] information that is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to mislead" (Dictionary.com, n.d.). 

Disinformation is "deliberately misleading or biased information; manipulated narrative or facts; propaganda" (Dictionary.com, n.d.). It is generally spread in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.

Types of Mis/Disinformation

First Draft (2021) defines the seven types of mis/disinformation as follows:

  1. Satire or parody: No intention to cause harm but has potential to fool.
  2. Misleading content: Misleading use of information to frame an issue or individual.
  3. Imposter content: When genuine sources are impersonated.
  4. Fabricated content: New content is 100% false, designed to deceive and do harm.
  5. False connection: When headlines, visuals or captions don't support the content.
  6. False context: When genuine content is shared with false contextual information.
  7. Manipulated content: When genuine information or imagery is manipulated to deceive.

Review the video below for real-world examples of each type of mis/disinformation.

The seven most common types of information disorder by First Draft (c) YouTube (2020)

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