Misinformation and disinformation are both terms for false or misleading information.

They are not the same thing. However, current media technologies enable them to spread quickly and widely and to become very powerful.

Misinformation - is any incorrect information that is shared without an intent to deceive. The person sharing it probably thinks it's true. 

• Anyone can share misinformation, whether verbally or online.

  Regular internet users might see disinformation - or just bad journalism/reporting - and assume it's true. If they share it, they spread misinformation. Being careful and critical about information you share can help reduce the spread of misinformation. 

Disinformation - is false or misleading information shared with an intent to mislead, confuse, or deceive people.

• Disinformation is created on purpose by people with an agenda. Often this agenda is political or social, but there are also examples of disinformation being introduced as a prank.

  Social media algorithms reward clicks and attention. Bad actors wanting to introduce disinformation can take advantage of this, especially if they have money for ads. Once the disinformation is out there, anyone who believes it might share it, helping it spread and even go viral. 

5 Types of Misinformation

Satire or parody - No intention to cause harm but has potential to fool.

False connection - When headlines, visuals or captions don't support the content.

Misleading content - Misleading use of information to frame an issue or individual. 

False context - When genuine content is shared with false contextual information.

Imposter content - When genuine sources are impersonated.

Manipulated content - When genuine information or imagery is manipulated to deceive.

Fabricated content - New content that is 100% false, made to deceive and do harm.