Misinformation & Disinformation
Thinking Critically About Information
This module will focus on how we interact with information online. How do we find reliable sources of information? How can we best determine if information is believable? How do we know when sources may be trying to manipulate our emotions, beliefs, and even actions?
We tend to think that we have rational relationships to information, but we don’t. We have emotional relationships to information, which is why the most effective disinformation draws on our underlying fears and worldviews...We’re less likely to be critical of information that reinforces our worldview or taps into our deep-seated emotional responses.
-Claire Wardle, Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics & Public Policy (qtd. in Vongkiatkajorn)
The Problem of "Disinformation"
Online evaluation and verification skills have never been more important than they are right now. A number of thoughtful articles have documented the rise in misinformation and disinformation online, with often significant real-world consequences. Vongkiatkajorn Links to an external site. clearly defines these terms:
- Misinformation
- Any kind of false information.
- Disinformation
- False information that is deliberately created with the intent to mislead or cause harm. Often designed to emotionally engage you, to make you react and/or share the information. Why? Usually, to make money on clicks/views/ads, or to influence you in some way.
Citations & Attributions
Steinmetz, Katy. "How Your Brain Tricks You Into Believing Fake News Links to an external site.." Time, 9 Aug. 2018.
Vongkiatkajorn, Kanyakrit. "Here’s How You Can Fight Back Against Disinformation Links to an external site.." Mother Jones, 9. Aug. 2018.
Images: "Twemojis" Links to an external site. by Twitter Open Source is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Links to an external site.