Misinformation and disinformation

collage of people looking at phones, tablets, and websites depicting misinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is false information which is deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts.

The spread of misinformation and disinformation has affected our ability to improve public health, address climate change, maintain a stable democracy, and more. By providing valuable insight into how and why we are likely to believe misinformation and disinformation, psychological science can inform how we protect ourselves against its ill effects.

Mind Over Misinformation

These evidence-based interactive learning modules use psychological science to help learners understand why our minds are susceptible to misinformation and how we can strengthen our defenses against it.

Report

three individuals looking down at their phones

Using psychological science to understand and fight health misinformation

This report describes the best available psychological science on misinformation, particularly as it relates to health.

It offers eight specific recommendations to help scientists, policymakers, and health professionals respond to the ongoing threats posed by misinformation.