Information Umbrella
The Information Umbrella
"Information disorder" has been used as an umbrella term to describe the various types of false or misleading information that has become more prominent over recent years. The above graphic was created to visually demonstrate the umbrella concept of information disorders. The visual includes the four main types of false, misleading, or otherwise dangerous information that society has been exposed to:
- Misinfo - information that is wrong
- Disinfo - information that is wrong on purpose (intentionally incorrect)
- Midinfo - information that was thought to be correct at some point but has since been proven false
- Malinfo - information that is true but malicious
Types of Misleading Information
Misinformation
Misinformation refers to information that is false, but was not created with the intent to cause harm. This inaccurate information is spread unintentionally, as those who disseminate it are unaware that it is incorrect. Misinformation proliferates on social media because individuals believe they are posting correct information that should be shared with others. The content has a false connection or is unintentionally misleading.
"Misinformation" is also often used as a blanket term to describe all types of inaccurate misinformation; you will see it used that way throughout this guide.
Disinformation
The difference between disinformation and misinformation is the intent behind it. Disinformation is still false, but it has been deliberately created or spread with the express purpose of causing harm. This content is fabricated or manipulated to accomplish a goal by generating and disseminating inaccurate information.
Mid-information
Mid-information is knowledge that was considered to be true, but the current consensus has found that information to be false. Often times, knowledge gaps are filled with mid-information that is proven incorrect or dated evidence. This kind of information was created with the intent to be correct, but due to the changes in scientific information or consensus become misleading or false.
Mal-information
Mal-information differs from mis- and disinformation because it is based in reality. This genuine information is shared to cause harm. The content often takes the form of private information shared publicly or a deliberate change in context, date, or time.
Health Misinformation
What is health misinformation?
Health misinformation refers to false or misleading information about health-related topics. It spreads through a variety of mechanisms, including social media, websites, traditional media sources, and word-of-mouth. This topic encompasses a wide range of health-related issues, including medical treatments, diseases, nutrition, vaccines, lifestyle choices, and more.
What forms can health misinformation take?
False Claims
This is information that presents unproven or false claims about the effectiveness of a particular treatment, supplement, or remedy for a health condition.
Conspiracy Theories
Health misinformation can be spread through unfounded theories that allege hidden motives or actions by governments, corporations, or other entities related to health issues.
Misinterpretation of Research
Scientific studies or data can be misrepresented or misinterpreted and spread to support a particular health claim or agenda.
Cherry-Picking
Cherry-picking is the selective use of data that supports a particular health claim while ignoring or suppressing contradictory evidence. The selection of data can allows for trends that would not be supported by the entire dataset to exist or vice versa.
Mal-information
Health misinformation can be promoted by sharing old or outdated health information that is no longer accurate or relevant in light of new research and discoveries.
Fear-Mongering
Fear-mongering is the spreading of fear and panic about specific health issues without a factual basis, causing unnecessary anxiety and stress.
What are the consequences of health misinformation?
Health misinformation can have serious consequences, as it may lead individuals to make uninformed decisions about their health, potentially resulting in harm or delayed medical treatment. It can also contribute to the spread of preventable diseases, undermine public health efforts, and erode trust in healthcare professionals, scientific institutions, and public health authorities.
A Special Thanks
Thank you to Linda Purdue, who completed a field experience with HSLS the summer of 2023, for major contributions to this guide!