Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fact-Checking

The internet is a perfect tool to access information with just a few clicks. It is also a leading source for accessing misinformation or false data that may have a detrimental effect on individuals and society. Due to this, fact-checking is a key tool for determining whether a source of information is true or not.

Misinformation

Think of fact-checking as a guide for your own opinion. This may lead to either good or poor decisions; for example, if you base your opinion on untrustworthy sources, you may easily make poor decisions. This may also lead to unforeseen consequences.

In short, misinformation may be defined as inaccurate or misleading information that is intended to deceive. It’s also false information that is spread by people regardless of their intentions.

Misinformation vs disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation are very similar, though they are not the same. Misinformation is what occurs when people spread false information without knowing it, whereas disinformation is misleading information shared by people who are fully aware of its untruthfulness.

Fact - Checking

The best way to avoid misinformation is through fact-checking, which can help you discover the truth based on reliable sources. There are many fact-checking tools available for use, for instance, Politifact.

Since 2007, fact-checking in journalism has been the central focus of PolitiFact. Their key principles are independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting, and clear writing (PolitiFact). PolitiFact's published works are meant to inform the public with relevant information needed for self-determination.

A trending TikTok video of Nancy Pelosi, a former House Speaker, was falsely manipulated. She didn’t order a shoot-to-kill on Jan. 6, 2021. The original video reveals Pelosi speaking on the phone with Mike Pence, former Vice President, in regards to his safety and how to move ahead with electoral counts.

The post on April 19 revealed Nancy Pelosi speaking on the phone on Jan. 6. However, in this clip Pelosi supposedly states: “I’ve given a shoot-to-kill order for any breach of the speaker’s lobby” (PolitiFact).

The video then cuts to a TikTok user saying, “Well, well, well. What do we have here? Alisha Bobbit? Murdered? Somebody might want to look into this" (PolitiFact). This was referenced to Ashli Babbit who was shot while climbing through a broken window of a door that led to the Speaker’s lobby. Babbit’s death has been subjected to many false allegations.

Furthermore, the video includes written text that read: Is this why O’Keefe was fired? This refers to James O’Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas - an organization that deals with undercover reporting with use of hidden cameras and selected recordings that have been edited. In February, James was dispelled after allegations that he misused funds and mistreated his workers.

TikTok determined that the video was part of its efforts to oppose imitative, misleading or false material.

Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fact-Checking