Five types of misinformation

The term “fake news” once referred to misinformation designed to look like legitimate news, but the term has been rendered meaningless and counterproductive through overuse and political weaponization. The reality is that different kinds of misinformation vary significantly in their tactics, intent and impact. To be able to better understand misinformation, therefore, we need a new misinformation vocabulary that helps us see and think about these differences.

The poster linked below identifies and defines five types of misinformation:

1. Satire
2. False context
3. Imposter content
4. Manipulated content
5. Fabricated content

Definitions and examples of each type of misinformation are included in the poster linked below. This poster was adapted from the “Misinformation” lesson on our Checkology® virtual classroom. Use it with that lesson or on its own.

Related Resources

"TRUST ME" classroom guide: A unit on manipulation and misinformation

This is a guide for educators to use with the feature-length documentary “TRUST ME."

Grades: 4-6, 7-9, 10-12+

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"TRUST ME" discussion guide on manipulation and misinformation (for adult learners)

Misinformation is all around us, and it has real-world consequences.

Grades:

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Get smart about COVID-19

Test your ability to determine whether this information about COVID-19 is news or opinion.

Grades: 7-9, 10-12+

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Should you share it?

The best way for you to help reduce misinformation online is to avoid sharing it.

Grades: 7-9, 10-12+

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Fighting falsehoods on social media

Quiz: How much do you know about social media platforms’ misinformation policies?

Grades: 7-9, 10-12+

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