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Understanding misinformation (and disinformation) is one of the three key themes explored in this website (see image, below) because there is evidence that awareness of disinformation tactics can help people think more critically and be less susceptible to pseudoscience (Sources: 1-4).
Know What Misinformation Is
Let's take a look at a few key terms:
Alternative Conception (sometimes called misconception)
Alternative Conception (sometimes called misconception)
An alternative conception is when an individual has an idea / explanation that differs from the explanation or understanding based on scientific evidence. Science alternative conceptions /misconceptions are really common, and can be difficult (but not impossible) to correct.
An example of an alternative conception:
An example of an alternative conception:
A common misconception is “lightning never strikes the same place twice” - which is not true! Taller objects and buildings are more likely to be struck by lightning - for example, the CN Tower in Toronto gets struck by lightning approximately 75 times per year! (Source: cntower.ca)
(For fun) learn about 50 common science misconceptions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqaDf2fuUH8
Misinformation
Misinformation
Misinformation is inaccurate or false information spread by someone who believed it was true / accurate. Misinformation is not intentionally spread to mislead and can be the result of a misconception, bias, incomplete / inaccurate understanding, or just sharing without reading or critically thinking about the information first.
An example of misinformation:
An example of misinformation:
A distant relative of yours shares a post on social media about a new candle they purchased, which the seller claims ‘detoxifies the air’ in your home and ‘helps promote clear skin’.
Disinformation
Disinformation
Disinformation is inaccurate or false information that is spread purposefully (the person or organization spreading it knows it is false). Disinformation is intended to mislead or confuse others. Disinformation is sometimes called “Fake News”.
An example of disinformation:
An example of disinformation:
In the book, Merchants of Doubt, the authors explain how organizations funded by the tobacco industry purposefully spread confusion and discredited scientific research linking tobacco smoke to cancer.
Source: Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway. Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. Bloomsbury Press, New York, 2011.
Check out this great Ted-Ed video that explores the terms "misconception", "misinformation" and "disinformation."
Ready to learn more? Click HERE to learn about disinformation tactics!
Sources:
Bergstrom, C. T., & West, J. D. (2021). Calling bullshit: The art of skepticism in a data-driven world. Random House Trade Paperbacks.
Caulfield, T. (2020). Does debunking work? Correcting COVID-19 misinformation on social media. University of Ottawa Press.
Orosz, G., Krekó, P., Paskuj, B., Tóth-Király, I., Bőthe, B., & Roland-Lévy, C. (2016). Changing conspiracy beliefs through rationality and ridiculing. Frontiers in Psychology, 1525.
Schmid, P., & Betsch, C. (2019). Effective strategies for rebutting science denialism in public discussions. Nature Human Behaviour, 3(9), 931-939.
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