Definition of Misinformation

Summary

Misinformation is incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or false information shared without deliberate malicious intent. It often results from mistakes, misunderstanding, limited knowledge, changing scientific understanding, or unverified reports during developing events. Unlike disinformation, misinformation is not necessarily created or spread with the intention to deceive, although it can still influence beliefs, behavior, public debate, health decisions, and trust in institutions. Misinformation differs from related concepts such as disinformation and malinformation. Disinformation is intentionally fabricated or manipulated information spread to mislead, while malinformation is genuine information shared or used to cause harm. The distinction can be difficult to determine because the intent of the person sharing information may be unclear, and misinformation can continue affecting memory and behavior even after it has been corrected or retracted.

Key Points

• 1

  Misinformation is incorrect or misleading information that may be shared unintentionally.

• 2

  It can include false claims, partial truths, missing context, inaccurate details, and unverified information.

• 3

  Misinformation differs from disinformation primarily because disinformation is deliberately created or spread to deceive.

• 4

  Misinformation can affect beliefs and decisions concerning politics, communities, science, medicine, and public health.

• 5

  Social media and digital platforms can accelerate the creation and spread of misinformation.

• 6

  The effects of misinformation may persist even after the information is corrected or withdrawn.