Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- Misinformation and disinformation
- Misinformation and disinformation - Mis- and disinformation in the 21st century’s increasingly complex information landscape
- Misinformation and disinformation - The emerging role of AI and what we can do in response
- Misinformation and disinformation - Why people spread mis- and disinformation and why people fall for it
How do misinformation and disinformation differ in digital media?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
media convergence
In addition to functioning as a cell phone, Apple's touchscreen iPhone, released in 2007, has a built-in Web browser for viewing Internet content over wireless telephone networks and Wi-Fi connections. The iPhone also can be used as a multimedia playback device for listening to music or viewing videos.
In the context of digital media, the primary distinction between misinformation and disinformation lies in the intent behind the communication.1
- Misinformation is the inadvertent spread of false information without any intent to cause harm. It is often shared by individuals who may not realize the content is inaccurate.12
- Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created and spread with the specific intent to mislead, confuse fact and fiction, or manipulate public opinion.1
In today’s hyper-networked media ecosystem, these issues are exacerbated by social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement. Because these platforms often prioritize content that evokes strong emotions like fear or anger, false narratives can spread rapidly. Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence and deepfakes has enabled more sophisticated forms of information manipulation.324
It is a fundamental ethical imperative to prioritize truth and protect the integrity of democratic processes by practicing news literacy and avoiding the amplification of unverified or harmful content.4