How can education debunk misinformation and disinformation?

Learn why media literacy is needed more than ever.

As technology continues to evolve, so does digital media (including social media). Unfortunately though, the more quickly and efficiently we can share information online, the same is true for the speed and ease of spreading misinformation and disinformation.

What do we mean by misinformation and disinformation?

These terms seem to be used interchangeably but they don’t have the same meaning.

Misinformation is fake news that is created and spread in error. It could be that information was taken out of context so isn’t accurate or there is some kind of mistake in the information.
Disinformation is fake news that is created intentionally. The creator knows its false. In fact, it’s possible perpetrators could even be profiting from sharing this false information in some way. 1

The role of social media in disinformation and misinformation

Social media gives us the opportunity to reach people around the globe with just a couple of taps of our fingers. It becomes very easy for information to spread this way, particularly when the algorithms come into play. As the European Commission explains:

“In social media, algorithms curate content based on user preferences and engagement patterns, which can create echo chambers in which individuals are repeatedly exposed to similar views and ideas. This can reinforce biases and beliefs, and has the potential to limitlessly amplify disinformation.” 2

This is a particular issue for young people, as without the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate this information, it becomes all too easy for it to be taken at face value as fact, particularly once it has been so widely shared. Before you know it, young people then become participants in spreading misinformation and even disinformation unwittingly with their communities.