Misinformation vs Disinformation
Misinformation and disinformation both refer to false or inaccurate information, but they differ in intent.
Misinformation is false information that someone shares without realizing it is wrong, like forwarding an inaccurate health tip because you genuinely believe it is true. Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created and spread to mislead or manipulate people. Understanding the difference helps you think critically about the information you encounter online and make better decisions about what to share.
Misinformation vs Disinformation, explained at three levels
At home
Misinformation is when someone shares something false without knowing it is wrong, like your uncle forwarding a health article that sounds convincing but contains inaccurate claims. Disinformation is when someone creates or shares false information on purpose to trick people, like a fake news story designed to make you angry about something that never happened. The key difference is intent: misinformation is an honest mistake, disinformation is a deliberate lie.
At work
In business, both misinformation and disinformation can cause real damage. Misinformation about a product might spread through well-meaning but uninformed customer reviews. Disinformation campaigns might target a company with fabricated scandals to damage its stock price or reputation. Organizations need communication strategies that address false information quickly and clearly, whether it originated innocently or maliciously.
At home
Misinformation spreads when people share content without verifying it, often because it confirms their existing beliefs or triggers an emotional reaction. Disinformation is typically produced by coordinated actors (governments, political operatives, or organized groups) using tactics like fake accounts, manipulated media, and fabricated websites to give false narratives an appearance of legitimacy. Both are amplified by social media algorithms that prioritize engaging content regardless of accuracy.
At work
Organizations combating false information deploy fact-checking teams, media literacy programs, and technical solutions like content provenance tracking. Platform-level interventions include labelling disputed content, reducing algorithmic amplification of flagged material, and partnering with third-party fact-checkers. Strategic communication frameworks help businesses respond to false narratives about their brand with transparent, evidence-based rebuttals.
At home
Detecting disinformation at scale requires analyzing network patterns to identify coordinated inauthentic behaviour: clusters of accounts that post similar content at similar times with similar patterns suggesting automation or coordination. Natural language processing models can flag content with hallmarks of fabricated narratives, while reverse image search and forensic analysis help identify manipulated or miscontextualized media. Attribution of disinformation campaigns to specific actors involves combining technical indicators with geopolitical analysis.
At work
Building resilient information ecosystems involves multi-stakeholder approaches combining platform governance, regulatory frameworks, media literacy education, and technological solutions. Automated detection systems face challenges with adversarial adaptation, where disinformation producers adjust tactics to evade classifiers. The tension between combating false information and protecting free expression requires nuanced policy frameworks that distinguish between clearly fabricated content and legitimately contested claims.
Real-world examples
At home
Lena shares a dramatic weather warning on Facebook that she received from a friend's post. Later she learns the warning was outdated and for a different region, so she spread misinformation without meaning to. Meanwhile, she comes across a completely fabricated story about a local politician that was created by a fake news site to influence an upcoming election. That is disinformation.
At work
Jerome, a communications director, discovers that a well-meaning industry blog has published inaccurate claims about his company's product ingredients. That is misinformation. Separately, a competitor has created fake social media accounts spreading fabricated safety complaints. That is disinformation. Jerome addresses the blog directly with correct information and reports the fake accounts to the platforms.
How it compares
| Aspect | Misinformation | Disinformation |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Shared without knowing it is false | Deliberately created or spread to deceive |
| Origin | Often starts from honest mistakes or misunderstandings | Created by actors with a specific agenda |
| Example | Forwarding an outdated health tip | A fabricated news story designed to manipulate voters |
| Spreader's awareness | The person believes the information is true | The creator knows the information is false |
| Combating it | Education and media literacy | Detection, platform enforcement, and legal action |
| Harm potential | Can cause confusion and bad decisions | Can undermine trust, manipulate elections, and incite harm |
Misinformation is false information spread unintentionally by people who believe it is true, while disinformation is false information created and spread deliberately to deceive. Both are harmful, but disinformation involves intentional manipulation.
For analysts
Before you share something online, take a moment to ask yourself: Does this seem too good, too shocking, or too outrageous to be true? If so, it might be false. Check the source: is it a reputable outlet? Search for the claim on fact-checking sites. Remember that sharing misinformation, even accidentally, contributes to the problem. And be especially cautious around elections, health crises, and breaking news, when false information spreads fastest. Your pause before sharing can stop a chain of misinformation.
History & origin
While false information has existed throughout human history, the terms misinformation and disinformation became prominent during the rise of social media in the 2010s. The 2016 U.S. presidential election brought widespread attention to disinformation campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the problem, with the World Health Organization popularizing the term 'infodemic' to describe the overwhelming flood of both accurate and inaccurate health information spreading online.