I actually googled this before... and found an answer.... so I regoogled it just for you....
https://www.businessinsider.com/misinformation-vs-disinformation
PART 4
What is disinformation?
While misinformation is false information that is created and spread regardless of an intent to harm or deceive, disinformation is a type of misinformation that is created to be deliberately deceptive. Both forms may be shared widely, regardless of whether or not the sharer knows the information is wrong.
"Disinformation is not a 21st century phenomenon," Southwell said. "When you've got a lack of correct information, and an anxious population with a lot at stake, disinformation is going to flourish. When people are anxious and looking for answers, somebody is going to provide those answers and capitalize on it financially or politically."
Misinformation can turn into disinformation when it's still shared by individuals or groups who know it's wrong yet intentionally spread it to cast doubt or stir divisiveness.
Examples of disinformation
One of the most relevant examples of a disinformation campaign is
Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election with help from
Facebook ads, pages, and private groups. Russian actors targeted specific geographic regions and swing states to spread propaganda against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and sow division among Americans.
Unsubstantiated rumors, gossip, or
claims of grand conspiracy can also count as pieces of disinformation.
How to recognize misinformation and disinformation
"Regardless of whether it's disinformation or misinformation, it's important to know that it's inaccurate and it means that you should not be believing it, and you should not be relying on that information," Southwell said.
According to Southwell, if you come across information with the following characteristics, you should consider it suspicious:
- If it seems too good to be true
- If it plays to your own implicit biases
- If it elicits either extreme positive or negative emotions
- If it's not properly sourced, or the stats appear out of date
The best, baseline way to interrogate a source of information is to check:
- The author
- The organization
- The date it was published
- The evidence
- What other sources say