Disinformation, Misinformation, and Malformation- EOTO #2 Blog #9

 Getting information is something that every human being strives to attain. If getting this information is through drama which human beings care about, or word of mouth, or even the media. The key is to take in information with a grain of salt. We have to listen very carefully so we do not become ill-informed or misinformed. That brings me to the topic of the day disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation. These three terms play into the bigger picture of topics like fake news and misleading information. 

Before we get too big with ideas, let's take a look at our terms. The term disinformation is false information that is deliberately and often covertly spread to influence public opinion. Disinformation has been used in the past by terrorists to spread propaganda as well. The next term is misinformation, and this is incorrect or misleading information. Similarly, disinformation hoaxes and ways to spread fear and suspicion among the population are in misinformations definition. Lastly, malinformation simply is information that is based on reality but is used to inflict harm on a person, organization, or country. Slandering and playing into fake news for negative effects are a big part of malinforamtion. These three terms now that we understand them play into a trio that is intended to harm the population.

Now, what is the effect on society? With all three of these, they are not only terms but threats democracy. A society as a whole needs to process information to gain credibility. People over the years have gotten very soft when viewing and reading information. This has allowed fake news and propaganda to spread wildly through the tools of disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation.  The effects of these tools skyrocket during elections and many other mainstream events. As a society, it is up to the people to keep a keen eye on what they are taking in.

If we analyze and take a closer look we can see how it has its ripples of effects through diffrent levels of society. With these ideas, the rich will feed into the false information flowing into the public if it helps them make more money. This is especially the case for elections. Every politician is trying to gain an advantage through whatever they can. This is through slandering or even just lying. Then it is up to the people who are taking the information in to digest it and fact-check it. This makes it so that there are no issues with the information. Another thing that the public has to do is internalize true information, so it can be compared to other troubling information they receive. 

Lastly, let's look at how this affects me personally. Every day when I open my phone there is a chance for disinformation. This all stems from the fact that every day when we open any type of social media we are met with ads. These ads are not always true especially as I mentioned in the times for election. So, it brings me to my last point. When reading information on the web it is important to sort out the credibility. If you as a reader do not look for credibility it may leave you looking like a fool trusting the wrong information. And in life, it is your job as a human to try and obtain the highest intellectual standard you can.