False or misleading information can spread quickly through social media, messaging apps, websites, podcasts and online videos. In Canada, more than two in five people reported in 2023 that it was becoming harder to distinguish between true and false news or information.
The risks extend beyond an inaccurate post. Misleading content can influence health decisions, damage reputations, create financial losses, increase social division and affect how people respond to important events.
Learning the difference between misinformation and disinformation is a useful first step. Once you understand how online deception works, you can evaluate claims more carefully before believing or sharing them.
Misinformation vs disinformation: What is the difference?
The key difference is intent.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Misinformation | False or inaccurate information shared without the intention to deceive. | Someone shares an old storm warning believing it applies to today. |
| Disinformation | False or manipulated information deliberately created or shared to mislead people. | An account publishes a fabricated story to influence public opinion or drive traffic. |
Misinformation can become disinformation when a person learns that a claim is false but continues sharing it as though it were true. In both cases, the information may cause harm, even though the original intent is different.
A third term, malinformation, is sometimes used for genuine information that is shared out of context or with the intention of causing harm. For example, private information may be selectively published to intimidate or damage someone.Why Online Deception Spreads
False information often succeeds because it is designed to attract attention. Posts that trigger fear, anger, surprise or outrage may receive more clicks, comments and shares than calm, carefully sourced explanations.
Online platforms can also make familiar people appear more trustworthy than they are. A friend, influencer or public figure may share an inaccurate claim without checking it first. Repetition can make the claim feel credible, even when no reliable evidence supports it.
Artificial intelligence has added another layer of complexity. AI tools can generate convincing text, realistic images, cloned voices and altered videos. These materials may be used for humour or creative work, but they can also be used to impersonate people or create false evidence.
Warning Signs of Misleading Content
Be cautious when a post or article:
Uses an emotional or threatening headline.
Claims that “the media” is hiding the truth.
Makes an extraordinary claim without evidence.
Encourages you to share immediately.
Uses phrases such as “you won’t believe this” or “share before it is deleted.”
Presents a cropped image or short video without context.
Relies on anonymous experts or unnamed sources.
Contains unusual spelling, poor design or suspicious branding.
Links to a website with a name that resembles, but does not match, a legitimate organisation.
Presents an old event as though it happened recently.
A professional appearance does not prove that content is accurate. Likewise, a grammatical error does not automatically prove that a claim is false. Treat these signals as prompts to investigate further, not as definitive evidence.
A Five-Step Verification Method
1. Stop before sharing
Do not share content simply because it makes you angry, confirms your beliefs or appears to come from someone you know. Pause long enough to examine the claim independently.
Ask what the post is asking you to believe and whether it is making a factual claim, expressing an opinion or presenting satire.
2. Check the source
Identify the original publisher, author, speaker or organisation. Look for an About page, contact information, editorial standards and a track record of accurate reporting.
Be careful with copied screenshots. Trace the claim back to the original article, video, report or official statement. A website using HTTPS may encrypt the connection, but HTTPS does not prove that the information is accurate or that the publisher is trustworthy.
3. Check the date and context
An old article, image or video may be reposted as new. Check when the content was published and whether the location or circumstances match the current claim.
Read beyond the headline. Look for omitted details, edited quotations, missing qualifications or statistics presented without a time period or comparison.
4. Compare reliable sources
Search for independent coverage from multiple reputable sources. For Canadian topics, consider official government websites, recognised news organisations, universities, public-health agencies and subject-matter experts.
A single article repeating an unnamed source is not the same as independent confirmation. Compare the original evidence, not just the number of websites repeating the same claim.
Canadian government resources also recommend using fact-checking services and checking whether a claim has already been investigated.
5. Verify images and videos
Use a reverse-image search to determine where an image first appeared. This can reveal that a photograph is old, has been edited or is being presented with a false caption.
For video, check whether the audio matches the speaker’s mouth, whether cuts remove important context and whether reputable sources have reported the same event. AI-generated content can look realistic, so visual inspection alone may not be enough.
If a video appears to show someone making an urgent request, verify it through another known channel. For example, call the person using a saved phone number instead of replying to the message or calling the number provided in the video.
.How to Respond on Social Media
If someone you know shares questionable content, avoid beginning with an accusation. Ask where the information came from and whether they have checked the original source.
You might say:
“I’m not sure this is current. Can we check the original source and see whether other reliable organisations are reporting it?”
Do not amplify a false claim unnecessarily by repeating it in a public reply. If the content is harmful, fraudulent or threatening, use the platform’s reporting tools and preserve evidence where appropriate.
Review your own social-media habits as well. Follow a range of credible sources, reduce exposure to accounts that rely on outrage and avoid treating popularity or follower counts as proof of expertise.
Protect Yourself From Related Scams
Misinformation and disinformation can support phishing and other online scams. A fake news story may direct you to a fraudulent survey, malicious download or page designed to steal login credentials.
Never enter passwords, payment information or government identification details because a post says you must act immediately. Instead, navigate directly to the organisation’s official website or contact it using a verified phone number.
Keep your devices, browsers and security software updated. Use multifactor authentication and unique passwords for important accounts. For additional information about synthetic media, explore how to identify and respond to deepfakes on HP Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is misinformation always intentional?
No. Misinformation is generally false or inaccurate information shared without the intent to deceive. Disinformation is deliberately created or shared to mislead.
Can a trusted person share disinformation?
Yes. A trusted person may unintentionally share misinformation, or they may repeat a claim after learning it is false. Evaluate the evidence rather than relying only on the identity of the person sharing it.
Is every viral post false?
No. A post can be accurate and still become popular. However, virality is not evidence of accuracy, so verify the source, date, context and supporting evidence.
Can AI always detect deepfakes?
No detection tool is perfect. Treat AI-generated text, images, audio and video carefully, verify important claims through independent sources and confirm unusual requests using a separate communication channel.
Conclusion
The best defence against online deception is a deliberate verification habit. Pause before sharing, identify the original source, check the date and context, compare reliable coverage and investigate images or videos that appear suspicious.
Understanding the difference between misinformation and disinformation helps you assess intent, but the practical response is similar: remain curious, verify important claims and avoid amplifying content that has not been confirmed..
About the Author
Anna-Marie Brittain is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Her experience includes writing for small businesses and non-profit organizations. The various niches she creates content for include emerging technologies, law, health, and nutrition.
