Misinformation and Disinformation: A Guide for Protecting Yourself
False news is not a new concept. It’s just a new phrase describing an old problem that has always existed in some form or another. It has wormed its way into the national discourse through counterfeit news outlets, bogus print publications, and social media. False news refers to text, social media posts, images, videos, websites (counterfeit, imposters, propaganda, etc.), advertisements, and anything else that can be manipulated or used out of original context. There are many types of misleading news; however, MDI (misinformation/disinformation) is the most prevalent.
The only way to stop the spread of false and misleading news is to exercise a healthy dose of informed skepticism and follow the “when in doubt, then don’t” rule. Don’t use information in an assignment, post it on social media, or relay it to others in any way that implies truth, if you suspect it is not completely truthful.
Many publications operate from a particular political stance or bias, though this can change over time due to editorial leadership. This bias can impact how or if an event is reported.
Learning how to evaluate what you read, view, and hear is an essential skill for your academic and personal life.
