Disinformation refers to the deliberate creation, dissemination and amplification of false or misleading information with the intent to deceive or manipulate audiences. Unlike misinformation, which involves incorrect information shared without harmful intent, disinformation is purposefully crafted to cause confusion, sow distrust or achieve specific political, social or economic outcomes. It is often used to exploit societal divisions, influence public opinion and undermine democratic processes.
In the digital era, the rapid spread of disinformation has been exacerbated by the widespread use of social media platforms and instant messaging applications. These platforms enable the quick and large-scale dissemination of content, which can bypass traditional fact-checking processes and reach wide audiences. Disinformation campaigns can be orchestrated by state or non-state actors, including political groups, private companies or individuals, to target specific populations, shape narratives or disrupt social cohesion.
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term written in lower case