Misinformation vs Disinformation: Understanding the Difference and Examples of Both from the Past and Today’s World

How do we find clarity in a world where fact and fiction are blurred? 

In the past week, misinformation and disinformation have continued to shape public narratives around the world. Here in the UK, false claims about the government’s stance on grooming gang inquiries were circulated, while Russian state media mistakenly reported an April Fool’s joke as a legitimate story. Meanwhile, in the US, fake social media reports about a stabbing at a Texas track meet and misleading headlines about tariff policies contributed to confusion and market volatility, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by misleading information in today’s digital landscape.

Information surrounds us. It influences our decisions, shapes our opinions and, for better or worse, impacts how we see the world. But not all information is created equal. Some misinforms unintentionally, while others are tailored to deceive. Disinformation and misinformation now spread so frequently—on a daily basis—that news outlets across the spectrum have dedicated entire sections to tracking and debunking falsehoods. 

From mainstream organisations like the BBC and Reuters to newspapers like The Independent, as well as impartial fact-checkers such as Full Fact, these efforts highlight just how pervasive misleading information has become in our digital age.

Misinformation and disinformation have been a part of human society for over 3000 years, with examples dating back from 13th Century BC, including Ramses II’s propaganda and multiple biblical misrepresentations. 

Not all cases of mis- and disinformation set out to be harmful. The Cottingley Fairies were a famous photographic hoax in 1917, when two young girls, Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths, claimed to have captured images of fairies near their home in Cottingley, England. The photographs were taken with a camera borrowed from Elsie’s father and showed the fairies in seemingly natural poses, though the girls later admitted to using cut-out cardboard figures as props. Despite this confession, the photos gained widespread attention and were even endorsed by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believed them to be genuine evidence of the supernatural.

In more recent times, understanding the impact of and distinction between misinformation and disinformation is increasingly important, because both are now sped up and amplified by modern technology. In today’s polarised landscape, both types of false information are proving to be increasingly dangerous.

What’s the Difference? 

At its core, the difference is intent. 

• Misinformation is false or misleading information shared without realisation of its inaccuracy. Imagine reposting a statistic you thought was credible but wasn’t. It spreads, not out of malice but misunderstanding. 

• Disinformation, by contrast, is false information deliberately created or shared with the intent to manipulate or deceive. Its purpose is often more insidious, weaponised to sow discord or promote personal or political agendas. 

Here’s the question you should ask yourselves when consuming and sharing information: Are you sharing to inform or are you unknowingly part of someone’s strategy to mislead? 

The Role of Misinformation in Society 

Misinformation spreads like wildfire – unintentionally, yet often devastating in its reach. 

With social media platforms like Facebook altering their moderation policies, we may see a rise in unchecked falsehoods gaining traction. As algorithms continue to prioritise engagement over accuracy, this shift could further accelerate the spread of misinformation, derail collective progress and deepen existing divides.

There are numerous examples of the impact of misinformation to draw upon in more recent history. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccine safety, including unfounded claims of microchips or exaggerated side effects, spread widely on social media. This led to vaccine hesitancy in a number of countries across the globe, prolonging the pandemic and contributing to avoidable deaths, particularly in vulnerable communities.

When misinformation nests in our conversations, it creates confusion, fear and mistrust. The Hillsborough disaster in 1989 provides another stark example, where false media reports wrongly blamed football fans for the tragedy. Decades of mistrust toward authorities and the media followed, showing how misinformation can fracture communities and erode trust.

Misinformation chips away at collective understanding, often dividing communities when true understanding is what is needed most. 

The Danger of Disinformation 

If misinformation is a wildfire, disinformation is the arsonist. Deliberate and calculated, it preys on division. 

Disinformation understands its audience and leverages emotion and fear to provoke anger, gain influence, or pursue political goals. During the Brexit campaign, for instance, the claim that the UK would save £350 million a week by leaving the EU was a deliberate falsehood. While widely debunked, it influenced voter behaviour and contributed to one of the most significant political shifts in recent UK history.

Similarly, disinformation during the Iraq War promoted the idea that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. This narrative was later proven false but justified UK involvement in a conflict with catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and geopolitical instability.

Take, for example, the false claims and rumours spread online during the riots that started in Southport last year. Misinformation about the causes and scale of the unrest quickly fuelled fear and anger, escalating tensions and contributing to further violence. 

This form of communication thrives on societal discord as it knows a polarised audience is an easier one to manipulate. By deepening existing rifts, disinformation weakens a community’s ability to think critically,  find common ground or embrace difference.

What We’re Seeing in the Media Today 

The lines between misinformation and disinformation aren’t always clear, but the impact is undeniable. 

The recent legal action against X (formerly Twitter) highlights the growing concern over election disinformation. Activist groups in Germany have accused the platform of failing to disclose data on false narratives circulating ahead of national elections, raising questions about accountability in the digital age. With social media shaping political discourse at an unprecedented scale, unchecked misinformation continues to fuel division and distrust.

Another example of this is the intentional spread of misleading claims about the motives and outcomes of significant global events, like the COP climate summits. These false narratives are often crafted to erode trust in climate action and undermine the spirit of international collaboration.

Echo chambers where we hear only what aligns with our beliefs, exacerbate the issue. They shield us from alternative perspectives, making it increasingly difficult to discern truth amid bias. The media’s penchant for sensationalism and the rapid pace of online discourse only add fire to the flames. 

How do we combat this? Not by retreating into our corners, but by stepping forward with thoughtfulness and intention. 

Encouraging Critical Thinking 

At Roots, we believe in something simple but powerful: critical thinking creates empathetic communities. 

Through our programmes, we aim to foster understanding and connection by encouraging participants to engage with perspectives beyond their own. Whether it is through shared stories or dialogue sessions, we provide the tools to step outside the isolating confines of echo chambers and interact with one another, as human beings. 

The Roots Approach: 

• Learn to identify bias, both in the media and within ourselves. 

• Engage in conversations that promote curiosity, connection and compassion. 

• Share stories with others to uncover common ground amidst societal differences. 

A Polarised World Needs a Compassionate Response 

Information shapes how we see the world but we hold the power to shape how information impacts our lives. By taking responsibility for what we consume and share, we improve our personal awareness and also contribute to something bigger. A society that listens, questions and connects.

It’s not an easy task, but every meaningful change begins with a single step. Are you ready?