What’s the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is false information shared without intent to deceive—like mistakenly forwarding an old photo during a natural disaster. Disinformation, however, is deliberately false content created to mislead, often for political or financial gain. Both can spread rapidly on social media, but disinformation campaigns are especially harmful because they exploit emotions and erode trust. Media literacy helps people recognize these distinctions, encouraging skepticism toward sensational claims. Evidence shows that teaching these concepts in schools and workplaces significantly reduces the impact of false narratives, empowering individuals to resist manipulation and demand truth in public discourse.