Misinformation

False or inaccurate information spread without intent to deceive, distinct from disinformation which is deliberately misleading.

Misinformation is false or misleading content shared by people who believe it to be true—spread without malicious intent but still harmful.

Misinformation vs. Disinformation

Type	Intent	Example
Misinformation	Unintentional	Sharing outdated health advice
Disinformation	Deliberate	State-sponsored propaganda
Malinformation	Harmful truth	Doxxing, leaked private info

How It Spreads

• Emotional content gets shared more
• Confirmation bias accepts agreeable falsehoods
• Social proof (“everyone’s sharing it”)
• Speed beats accuracy online
• AI amplifies through recommendations

AI’s Dual Role

Amplifier:

• Generates convincing false content
• Scales production infinitely
• Personalizes for maximum spread

Detector:

• Fact-checking assistance
• Pattern recognition in false claims
• Provenance verification

Countermeasures

• Media literacy education
• Prebunking (inoculation against techniques)
• Platform labeling and friction
• Professional fact-checking