Disinformation, Propaganda, Misinformation, and Fake News — Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key terms and distinctions discussed in the notes on disinformation, propaganda, misinformation, fake news, and related information campaigns.

Disinformation

Dissemination (in media) of false reports intended to mislead public opinion; deliberate and purposeful; can use mostly true facts with context stripped or blended with falsehoods as part of a larger agenda.

Misinformation

Inadvertent sharing of false information; not purposeful or intended to mislead; may be corrected once errors are recognized.

Propaganda

Use of information (often biased or selective) to influence political outcomes; can involve non-rational arguments; overlap with disinformation is debated.

Fake News

Misleading or false content found online, especially on social media; often produced for profit; includes types like intentionally deceptive content, jokes taken literally, large-scale hoaxes, slanted reporting, and uncertain truths.

4D Offensive (Dismiss, Distort, Distract, Dismay)

A framework describing how disinformation aims to undermine public opinion by dismissing, distorting, distracting, and dismaying audiences to impede engagement and action.

Targeted Advertising

Advertising tailored to specific audiences or geographies; used to tailor political messages and can amplify disinformation by focusing on sensitive issues.

Information Operations

Campaigns using information to influence political outcomes; methods include false news, disinformation, and networks of fake accounts to manipulate public opinion.

Information Campaigns

Organized efforts to communicate with large groups; include marketing, public affairs, and public diplomacy; aims to persuade or inform while differentiating from propaganda and disinformation.

Strategic Communication

Purposeful use of information and messaging to advance an organization’s mission; in military contexts, aims to influence adversaries, reassure allies, and persuade publics; deception should be avoided and disinformation avoided within this framework.

Public Diplomacy

State-led efforts to present a country’s views to foreign audiences and foster positive perceptions; distinguished from propaganda when it does not rely on false information or non-rational persuasion.

Marketing/Public Relations

Promotional activities using facts, opinions, and emotional cues to persuade audiences and build affinity; may be commercial or political; related to strategic communication.

Fake News vs. Disinformation

Fake news is often financially motivated and not always disinformation; when it has political aims, it may resemble disinformation and be part of a larger manipulation tactic.

Low Quality Political Information

Extent of poor-quality political content on digital platforms observed during elections (e.g., 2016 U.S. elections), with concerns about scale and influence, including foreign interference.

Digital Age Amplification

The rise of social media and targeted advertising that increases exposure to disinformation and propaganda, expanding the reach and speed of manipulation.

Political Astroturfing

Coordinated activity designed to imitate grassroots support for a political cause, often spread through online networks to manipulate opinion.