Misinformation, Disinformation, and Bias

While often used interchangeably, misinformation and disinformation are two different things. 

• Misinformation is defined as "incorrect or misleading information" (Merriam-Webster). 
• Disinformation is defined as "false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure truth" (Merriam-Webster). 

The main difference between the two is that disinformation is created and shared deliberately with the purpose to deceive, while misinformation is generally shared due to a lack of fact-checking.

According to the News Literacy Project (NLP) there are Five Types of Misinformation. PDF version.

Satire

• Satire often takes the form of news websites parodying current events. Examples include:
  •  The Onion,
  • The Borowitz Report, and
  • The National Report
• Satirical news can also be viewed on late night television. Popular programs are:
  •  The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
  • The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
  • Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and
  • Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

False Context

• Video shows Norwegian military practice shot, not Russian warship exploding

A TikTok video being spread around social media platforms as footage of a Russian warship exploding is actually a Norwegian military exercise from 2013.

• Anti-Biden Gas Prices Meme Shows Photos from 2020 and 2016

Neither of the photos used in this anti-Biden meme found on Facebook were taken during the Biden administration. 

Imposter Content

• Fact Check - BBC did not report Poland preparing to send troops to Ukraine

A video doctored to impersonate BBC News went viral and was shared on social media despite the fact that the BBC did not post any reports regarding Polish troops being sent to Ukraine.

• A Timeline Of How The Notre Dame Fire Was Turned Into An Anti-Muslim Narrative

Illustrates how fake Twitter accounts impersonating CNN and Fox News spread false information in the wake of the Notre Dame fire, instigating anti-Muslim sentiments. 

Manipulated Content

• Fact Check- Poster advertising COVID-19 vaccines and children organ donations is digitally altered

This photo encouraging parents to donate their children's organs along with getting a COVID-19 vaccine is doctored. The original text in the white box was a Spanish translation advertising the same information as the English text. 

• Fact Check: Anti-mask message on barbeque joint sign result of altered image

Barbeque restaurant sign mockingly calling mask-wearers "sheep" is a digitally manipulated image.

Fabricated Content

• Pope Francis shocks world, endorses Donald Trump for President

Fake news site WTOE 5 News publishes the entirely made-up claim that the Pope has broken with tradition and endorsed an American political candidate. 

• Did Betty White Say She Got COVID Booster 3 Days Before She Died?

An entirely fabricated quote attributed to comedian Betty White went viral in the days after her death, spreading anti-vax sentiments by implying she had died as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

These are just a handful of examples. To explore further, check out the Media Manipulation Casebook and the News Literacy Project's Viral Rumor Rundown. Both websites explore various instances of mis- and disinformation spreading over the internet. 

The "Misinformation, Disinformation, and Bias" LibGuide was created and developed by University of Texas iSchool student, Kathryn Senn, in Spring 2022 as part of her Capstone Project.