Understanding Mis- and Disinformation
In today’s digital age, the rapid spread of false or misleading information can have serious consequences for individuals and society. It’s essential to differentiate between misinformation and disinformation to combat their effects effectively.
Misinformation: This is false or inaccurate information shared without intent to deceive. It may stem from misunderstandings or incorrect reporting.
Disinformation: This refers to deliberate falsehoods spread with the intent to mislead or manipulate. Often used as a tool to sow confusion, influence public opinion, or destabilize trust in institutions.
Why It Matters
The impact of mis- and disinformation is far-reaching. It can undermine public trust, spread harmful stereotypes, and distort democratic processes. As more people rely on social media for news, it becomes easier for misleading narratives to circulate unchecked.
How to Identify Mis- and Disinformation
Being able to critically assess the information we encounter is key to avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation. Here are a few tips to help:
- Check the Source: Reputable sources are transparent about their authorship and have a history of reliability.
- Look for Evidence: Trustworthy news is backed by verifiable facts, not opinions or unsupported claims.
- Cross-Reference Information: If a claim seems outrageous or suspicious, verify it through multiple trusted outlets.
What You Can Do
As consumers of information, we have a responsibility to share only accurate and verified news. Before passing along content, take a moment to check its credibility. By doing so, you can help reduce the spread of misinformation and encourage others to do the same.
About the Mis/Disinformation Task Force
To address the troubling rise of misinformation and disinformation—and its impact on our elections—the League of Women Voters of Illinois formed the Mis/Disinformation Task Force in January 2024 with the goal of educating the general public on mis/disinformation. To learn more about this task force, and what you can do to take action, visit their website at https://www.lwvil.org/misdis-info