The internet enables free flowing information in ways that were simply not possible in the past, not even the massive physical paper publishing industry could keep up with the hose of data that is the internet. While this freedom of information has allowed the exchange of ideas and thought at a faster rate than ever, the exchange has largely happened without structure…a sort of informational anarchy.
Placing information on physical media (Newspapers, Books, Magazines, Research Papers) often requires navigating the traditional publishing processes of editors, critique, and publisher requirements and standards. Information on the internet can skip all those steps all day, every day. The flow of internet based information is so unrestricted some sites do not require an account to write or upload content. This freedom of information enables anyone to post any fact, fabrication, misinformation, lie, data, malformed data, malicious data, or disinformation.
Humans are social by nature with a need to connect, share, and bond; this makes social media platforms a desirable destination. Much of the information shared on social platforms is harmless but this is where the unchecked flow of information becomes a useful tool for certain actors.
What actors could benefit from spreading disinformation? One actor that might come to mind is government, but not necessarily your government, foreign governments may have even more interest in seeding distrust in your own government. Corporations or individuals of influence and wealth may have an interest in spreading misinformation (or disinformation) in ways that increase their own bottom lines.
Do not wade into these waters clueless, think about who might have something to gain by spreading certain types of information, data, slogans, memes, images or ideas. Check sources if information is being presented as fact but is aimed at your emotions. Sharing misinformation or disinformation effectively makes you a cog in a machine for some other actor.
Arm yourself against misinformation and disinformation
There are tools and research on how to counter, interrupt, and identify misinformation and disinformation. Arm yourself with knowledge.
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