Misinformation in Digital Media

Misinformation in digital publishing is a subset of misinformation, which is false or misleading information; unlike disinformation, it is not intentionally deceptive. Instances of misinformation have been recorded throughout history, dating back as far as written records exist. The advancement of technology in modern times resulted in digital publishing becoming the primary source of information for most people. At the same time, it created an avenue for misinformation to spread quickly and to more people. People generally gravitate towards media that aligns with their inherent biases, which renders them more prone to the misinformation coming from those sources. Social media, which possesses lax requirements for posts, played a critical role in the spread of such misinformation. Misinformation has the ability to affect all aspects of life, from health to politics. The resulting decline of the overall accuracy of information produces negative implications. Countering misinformation appears as a complicated topic since the media platforms must find common ground between upholding free speech and preventing misinformation. Users, on the other hand, have much greater power when it comes to making conscious choices regarding the information they consume. In recent years, the topic of misinformation has become a source of debates due to the complicated relationship between its influence and regulation.

History

Early examples of misinformation date back to the Italian Renaissance, where political rivals attempt to smear each other's reputation through writings. The first recorded instance of large-scale disinformation was the Great Moon Hoax, a series of six articles published in 1835 by The Sun