Spotting Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared without malicious intent. People sharing misinformation typically believe it's true.

Example: Sharing an outdated news article thinking it's current.

Disinformation is false information deliberately created and shared with the intention to deceive or mislead people.

Example: Intentionally spreading fabricated news stories during an election campaign to influence public opinion.

These types of misleading content frequently appear online:

• False Connection: Headlines or images don't match the actual content
• Misleading Content: Selective use of facts to frame an issue deceptively
• Manipulated Content: Authentic information or images deliberately altered to deceive
• Fabricated Content: Entirely invented stories or visuals designed to deceive
• Imposter Content: Genuine sources are impersonated to spread false information

Motivations vary widely, including:

• Political or ideological influence
• Financial gain (e.g. clickbait)
• Satire or humour (though it can unintentionally mislead)
• Genuine confusion or misunderstanding

False or misleading information doesn’t only appear in the news or on social media — it can show up in academic sources too. This can be especially misleading when the material appears to come from a reputable publication or author.

Common examples include:

• Outdated research: Superseded by more recent findings

• Predatory journals: Weak or fake peer review processes

• Code examples or technical tutorials: May contain serious errors

• Health claims: Not supported by current clinical evidence

• Industry reports: May involve undisclosed conflicts of interest

Learning to evaluate academic content is just as important as questioning what you see online.

When you're researching online, using social media, or encountering unfamiliar sources, it’s important to slow down and think critically. These strategies can help you decide whether information is trustworthy before you rely on it or share it with others:

• Cross-check information: Verify claims through multiple reputable sources

• Check the source credibility: Investigate the source’s authority and reputation

• Consider the purpose: Is the content trying to inform or manipulate?

• Examine the evidence: Reliable information is supported by verifiable facts and references

• Be cautious of sensationalism: Exaggerated or shocking content often needs extra scrutiny

• Use fact-checking tools: Fact-checkers can help you verify viral claims — see the recommended sites below

These sites can help you check whether claims you've seen online are reliable. They're especially useful for social media content, current events, and trending topics.

If you’re worried you may have used unreliable or misleading sources in your work:

• Don’t panic – this is part of learning. Everyone makes mistakes when developing research skills

• Use this experience to improve – apply the evaluation strategies next time

• Talk to your lecturer – if you’re unsure or concerned about submitted work, raise it during office hours

• Build better habits – focus on developing your critical thinking and source-checking techniques for future assignments

Explore these related guides for more help with source evaluation:

• Evaluating Information – Learn structured approaches to critically assess the reliability of sources
• Recognising and Addressing Bias – Identify how bias affects what you read and how you interpret it
• Critically evaluating GenAI – Understand the risks of AI-generated misinformation and how to assess it
• Academic vs Non-Academic Sources – Compare source types and their appropriate use in university-level work