Recently, our Managing Director Lisa-Ann Joseph was asked to speak on a panel for television to discuss misinformation vs disinformation. Hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister Communications’ programme entitled Media Exchange, I was invited because of my experience working in the private sector primarily. The programme is due to air on television and online soon, but I wanted to talk here a little about the truth about false information: What Every Professional Needs to Know.
In today’s digital age, understanding the difference between misinformation and disinformation isn’t just academic—it’s essential for business survival. While they might seem similar on the surface, these two forms of false information couldn’t be more different at their core.
Think of misinformation as the accidental forward of an outdated news article or sharing a misunderstood statistic. It’s the well-meaning but incorrect information that spreads through honest mistakes. We’ve all been there—sharing something we thought was true, only to later learn it wasn’t quite accurate.
Disinformation, however, is a different beast entirely. It’s the calculated creation and spread of false information with the intent to deceive. Think of coordinated campaigns designed to damage reputations or manipulate markets. It’s the difference between accidentally giving someone wrong directions versus deliberately sending them down the wrong path. I’m sure we have all experienced being on the receiving end of this as well.
Why does this matter for your organization? Because each requires a completely different response strategy. Misinformation can often be corrected with clear, factual communication and education. Disinformation, on the other hand, demands a more robust, strategic approach—often requiring legal intervention and crisis management protocols.
The bottom line? In our fast-paced information environment, the ability to quickly distinguish between misinformation and disinformation could mean the difference between a minor communication hiccup and a full-blown crisis. Smart organizations aren’t just preparing for both—they are training their teams to spot the difference.
