They sound almost the same. What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation? 

They’re words that we hear a lot these days. With the likes of social media and AI being so built into daily life, anyone can create something and share it. When it comes to what is real and what isn’t, or what is correct and what isn’t, phrases like ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ are one of the first people go to (along with ‘fake news. 

The two terms have a similar meaning, but are distinguished by the reason behind them. 

Misinformation 

Let’s take the first word. What is ‘misinformation’? 

Misinformation is content which has been shared by someone, but there is a mistake in it. It could be something simple like a date or name. Or perhaps it’s because someone has misinterpreted something linked to the post.  

It might have happened when the information or content first started getting shared, or it might have happened along the way if it has been shared lots. 

The key part is that misinformation is an error, rather than something done deliberately. No harm is intended when the information or post has been sent out. 

How To Spot Misinformation 

Working out where a post or webpage has misinformation is really difficult, precisely because it is intended. 

You either need to know a lot about what the post is talking about (which let’s face it, usually isn’t the case) or ideally someone else has pointed out the mistake. If you don’t know, you don’t know! 

The best way though, and a great rule for when you encounter any new content online, is to double check things before you like or share it. Is there somewhere you can verify the information from? If it’s a news story for example, can you check another website? Or if it’s a post from an expert, is there someone else who might cover the same topic? 

Taking a few minutes to see if you can identify where any misinformation may have occured will save you in the long run.  

Disinformation 

Misinformation is about a simple mistake. Disinformation is quite the opposite.  

In the case of disinformation, the content has been created with the aim of misleading someone.  

There are a range of reasons why disinformation is created, including: 

• Conning someone to click on a link. 

• Changing views or influencing to think a certain way. 

• Tricking someone into giving up personal information.  

• To aggrevate or bully someone.  

• To trick people into sharing further.  

How Do They Spread? 

Misinformation and disinformation can be spread in a range of ways, online and offline, including social media, websites, media, phone messaging and word of mouth. 

Those spreading disinformation might try to target those they feel will believe it, so that person can start sharing it to their friends and family.