Home › Media, Journalism & Publishing › Algorithms & Echo Chambers › Disinformation

Disinformation

dis-in-fur-MAY-shun /ˌdɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

nounC1GRESAT

formal

False information, especially that which is intended to mislead.

Crucially, disinformation is deliberately false and spread with the intent to deceive, often for political or strategic purposes. It differs from misinformation, which is simply incorrect information spread without malicious intent.

The story behind the word. The word 'disinformation' is a loan translation from the Russian 'dezinformatsiya,' which emerged in the 1920s. It combines the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart' or 'reversal') with 'information' (from Latin 'informare,' meaning 'to shape, form, instruct'). The term was originally used to describe Soviet propaganda tactics involving the deliberate spread of false information to deceive enemies. It gained broader currency in English during the Cold War and has seen a resurgence in the digital age.

Word relationships

falsehood: A general term for something untrue.
deception: The act of misleading, which disinformation is a tool for.
fabrication: Something invented or concocted, often with intent to deceive.

truth: The quality or state of being true.
fact: A piece of information presented as objectively real.
accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise.

Commonly confused with

Misinformation: 'Misinformation' is false information spread unintentionally. 'Disinformation' is false information spread intentionally to deceive.
Propaganda: 'Propaganda' is information, often biased, used to promote a political cause or point of view. It can be true, false, or a mix. 'Disinformation' is specifically false information with intent to deceive.

Collocations

spread disinformation
combat disinformation
political disinformation
online disinformation

Example sentences

"The political campaign was marred by the spread of disinformation, designed to undermine public trust in the opposing candidate." Discussing political campaigns.
"Foreign actors often use social media platforms to spread disinformation, aiming to polarize societies and destabilize democratic processes." Analyzing foreign influence.

Memory hook

It's 'DIS'-honest 'INFORMATION' – deliberately misleading. It's DISINFORMATION. Dishonest info

When not to use

Do not use 'disinformation' when you mean 'misinformation' (unintentional false information) or 'propaganda' (information, often biased, used to promote a political cause or point of view, which can be true or false). The key is the intent to deceive with false information.

Fun facts

The first known use of 'disinformation' in English was in 1939, referring to Soviet tactics.
The rise of social media has made the spread of disinformation faster and more widespread than ever before, posing significant challenges to public discourse.