This semester, the Milligan Stampede is launching “The Reality Check,” a new series dedicated to exploring the world of misinformation and disinformation. In a world flowing with information, distinguishing between what’s real and what’s fake has become a critical skill for navigating daily life. The terms misinformation and disinformation are often used interchangeably, but they represent a fundamental distinction in the intent behind spreading false information.
Misinformation is false information shared without the intent to deceive. It’s an honest mistake, a simple gaffe, or an unverified claim passed on by someone who genuinely believes it’s true.
Disinformation is false information deliberately created and shared with a malicious purpose—to manipulate, confuse, or anger.
The rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media, poses a threat to the marketplace of ideas and democratic institutions. When false narratives, conspiracy theories, and emotionally charged falsehoods can go viral in minutes, they can slowly erode public trust in established sources of information, from journalism to science.
The challenge isn’t simply a matter of identifying “fake news” but of understanding the complex ecosystem that allows it to thrive and the side effects. Given those stakes, it is crucial for individuals to become more media literate and thoughtful consumers and sharers of information.
This series will attempt to explore the key differences between misinformation and disinformation and their impacts on our society. More importantly, we will provide strategies and fact-checking tools to empower individuals to identify and combat the spread of false information.
