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Understanding News Publications: "Real News" vs. "Fake News"

Misinformation & Disinformation Defined

Misinformation: "false or misleading information" (Lazer et al., 2018, p. 1094)  

Disinformation: "false information that is purposely spread to deceive people" (Lazer et al., 2018, p. 1094)

Social Media: A Major Contributor to the Spread of Misinformation & Disinformation

Because of the relative ease with which information can be authored and shared on social media, misinformation and disinformation thrive on websites and apps like:

  • Blogs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

3 Common Categories of Misinformation

Extreme Bias: News stories that demonstrate a lack of objectivity and fairness. Omitting facts that are highly relevant to a story in order to further a political agenda is one example of extreme bias. Conspiracy: News stories that promote implausible explanations for current events. Pseudoscience: News stories that promote beliefs or practices that are mistakenly regarded as being supported by scientific evidence.

 

This work, "3 Common Categories of Misinformation," is a derivative of "Beyond Fake News," by eavi MEDIA LITERACY for CITIZENSHIP, used under CC BY-NC.  "3 Common Categories of Misinformation" is licensed under CC BY, by Matthew Pierce.

Not to Be Confused with News - Satirical Websites

  • Some satirical websites parody news outlets for the purpose of entertainment and social commentary.
  • When satirical websites are clear about their intention and purpose, they should not be considered purveyors of misinformation or disinformation. 
  • Unfortunately, articles from these websites are sometimes confused for actual news articles. 
  • Always double-check the "About Us" or "Mission" section of a website if you have questions about its purpose. 
  • An example of a satirical website that parodies news outlets is The Onion. 

Fake News - A Specific Type of Disinformation

  • Fake News: "fabricated information that mimics news media content in form but not in organizational process or intent" (Lazer et al., 2018, p. 1094).  News does not warrant the "fake news" label simply because it conflicts with an individual's beliefs and/or worldview.

References. The science of fake news. Science, 359(6380), 1094-1096. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aao2998