misinformation

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Misinformation is the unintentional spread of false or inaccurate information. In contrast, disinformation is false information deliberately disseminated with the intent to deceive and manipulate. This distinction is crucial in today's complex information environment.12

Misinformation can arise when facts are not yet confirmed, especially during breaking news events, or when individuals share information without verifying its accuracy. Studies have shown that false information can spread faster than accurate information online.1

Detecting misinformation involves developing verification skills, critical thinking, and recognizing patterns such as manipulated content or false context. Consulting multiple credible sources is essential for verifying information. The spread of both misinformation and disinformation can erode trust in institutions and undermine democratic processes.31

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deepfake
…and fake, addressing that the content is not real. The term came to be used for synthetic media in 2017 when a Reddit moderator created a subreddit called “r/deepfakes” and began posting videos that used face-swapping technology to insert celebrities’ likenesses into existing pornographic videos.
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…and fake, addressing that the content is not real. The term came to be used for synthetic media in 2017 when a Reddit moderator created a subreddit called “r/deepfakes” and began posting videos that used face-swapping technology to insert celebrities’ likenesses into existing pornographic videos.
Read More

fake news
Definition
… is the unintentional dissemination of misleading or incorrect information, and disinformation is the deliberate spreading of lies for the express purpose of deception.
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… is the unintentional dissemination of misleading or incorrect information, and disinformation is the deliberate spreading of lies for the express purpose of deception.
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What is news literacy (and why does it matter)?
Developing habits to detect misinformation
Misinformation is a general term used to describe false or factually inaccurate information. Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is intentionally created, usually to advance some kind of ideological goal. Falsehoods that spread widely often resonate in some way with people’s values and beliefs…
Read More
Misinformation is a general term used to describe false or factually inaccurate information. Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is intentionally created, usually to advance some kind of ideological goal. Falsehoods that spread widely often resonate in some way with people’s values and beliefs…
Read More