Disinformation vs. Misinformation

Disinformation

/ˌdɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/

False information spread with the intent to deceive or mislead.

Examples:

Governments sometimes spread disinformation during conflicts.Social media platforms combat disinformation actively.Disinformation campaigns aim to mislead the public opinion.

Synonyms:

falsehoodmisinformationdeceptionfabricationpropaganda

Antonyms:

truthfactinformation

Misinformation

/ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/

False or incorrect information that is spread, often unintentionally.

Examples:

The website was notorious for spreading misinformation.Despite corrections, the misinformation persisted.Misinformation can have serious societal impacts.

Synonyms:

disinformationfalsehoodinaccuracy

Antonyms:

informationfacttruth

Ways to tell them apart:

• Misinformation is often incorrect or misleading information shared by accident, while disinformation is shared on purpose to deceive.
• If someone gives you misinformation, they usually believe it's true themselves and did not intend to mislead you.
• Disinformation is typically spread with a clear intent to mislead or manipulate an audience.
• Think of misinformation like a harmless mistake, and disinformation as a deliberate lie.
• Misinformation can be spread by anyone, but disinformation usually involves strategic efforts to influence opinion or conceals certain agendas.