Misinformation and disinformation

With the pervasiveness of the internet and the vast amount of information being shared online it is increasingly difficult to discern between false information and accurate information. Social media has also created an environment where anyone with an agenda or without full information can publish falsehoods as if they were truths. Since days of old, spreading false information existed in the form of propaganda. However, technology magnifies the power, speed and spread of misinformation and disinformation. 

Misinformation is false information spread unknowingly- an example of this is a shared post that is false but that the sharer thinks is true or harmless. Disinformation is false information created and spread purposefully to deceive people- examples can be intention to spread fear or create chaos . Disinformation can be out of malice or satire, or for financial gain. While both misinformation and disinformation can deceive audiences, the distinction is that disinformation is intentionally, maliciously deceptive.

Unreliable information targeted at kids can be in the form of misleading domains, misleading words or misleading digital images online. This misleading information often leads to kids making poor decisions based on the information that they have accessed. As adults it may be a little easier for us to spot fake information but kids need to be taught how to spot false information. Here are five simple tips that can be shared with kids. 

How to verify online information

1. Rely on trustworthy sources: such as major academic journals and news channels. Blogs may simply be the author's opinion.
2. Find supporting sources and review multiple sources:
3. Check the Author credibility and that date of publication is recent/ current: Notice if it is an older story simply rehashed.
4. Check comments on the information presented and check your own biases: 
5. Repost carefully: Be a good digital citizen and complete your verification before spreading information.