Misinformation

Overview

Online news, social media and digital platforms give us easy access to information and instant connections. However, these are often unregulated spaces where false or misleading information can:

• spread quickly
• cause great harm

This is called misinformation.

Media literacy plays a crucial role in enhancing young people’s critical thinking abilities. It makes them more informed and perceptive when it comes to news consumption and spotting misinformation.

Types of misinformation

Misinformation is designed to be believed and it’s not always easy to distinguish. There are various terms used to describe false or misleading information.

Misinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information. It can take the form of a:

• social media post
• real or edited picture
• video clip
• meme
• news story

Misinformation can be shared by someone without them realising that the information is false or inaccurate.

Disinformation

Disinformation is similar to misinformation but is deliberately created to:

• deceive
• mislead
• influence

This could be for personal, political or economic purposes. Disinformation can threaten our values and principles undermining our:

• safety
• security
• communities
• trust

Fake news

'Fake news' is used to describe inaccurate or misleading content that is often sensational or emotive. It may include misinformation, disinformation or both.

Clickbait

Clickbait is content designed to attract your attention and encourage you to click on a link taking you to other online content, for example: 

• an article
• an image
• a video

Instead of presenting objective facts, clickbait appeals to your emotions and curiosity.

Deepfakes

A ‘deepfake’ refers to a photo, video or audio that has been digitally altered using artificial intelligence (AI). Deepfakes can deceive people by portraying something that didn't happen in reality.

Malinformation

Malinformation is the deliberate:

• publication of private information for personal or private interest
• manipulation of genuine content

While this information may not be false in nature, it covers information that is spread to cause harm.

Factors enabling misinformation

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI)

GenAI can quickly generate content such as:

• deepfake videos
• deepfake images
• deepfake audio
• false information

This makes it easier for actors with bad intentions to produce and spread more convincing misinformation in large volumes.

Bot accounts

Bot accounts on social media are automated profiles designed to copy human behaviour. These accounts engage with content, either positively or negatively, by liking, sharing or reporting it.

Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias can affect how we find and search for information. We may look for, interpret and remember information that agrees with our existing opinions. This can lead to an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of issues, events, or topics. For example, when we feel strongly about a social media post, we might ‘like’ or share it without checking if it’s true.

Social media algorithms

Social media algorithms personalise feeds to show users content they're likely to engage with. This can lead to echo chambers, or filter bubbles, where you are more likely to see content that aligns with your existing opinions.

Identifying and responding to misinformation

Consider the source

Consider if the information comes from a credible source. Think about who created the content and what their motives might be. Consider the intention of the information. Check the domain name or URL, it may look unusual or appear similar to a well-known, trusted website.

Consider the style

Misinformation is often written in a way that grabs attention and encourages people to engage with it. The headline may be shocking or emotive. Consider if it is written as fact, opinion or even parody. Make sure to read the full article and not just the headline.

Check multiple sources

Check the accuracy of the story by comparing its content with other sources. If you can’t corroborate the information elsewhere, consider whether it is likely to be true. Get a second opinion.

Fact-checking websites

• Full Fact is an independent fact-checking organisation.
• Snopes is a fact-checking website that aims to debunk or confirm widely spread urban myths.
• BBC Verify brings together experts in disinformation, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and verification from across the BBC.
• Channel 4 FactCheck fact-checks speeches, TV debates, media interviews, online articles, manifesto pledges and more.

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