Due to the rise of social media, misinformation and disinformation are more prevalent than ever. In the digital age, information can be shared extensively online and with minimal effort or time. This is an unprecedented reality. Within the current media landscape, a single photo or piece of content can reach millions within a minute allowing for the spread of false information, whether intentional or not. Not only does false content confuse or misinform the viewer but it also adds to the cycle of sharing. Sharing proliferates mis- and disinformation, creating a self-sustaining cycle in which false claims circulate faster and wider, making it extremely difficult to separate truth from deception.
Understanding the difference between mis- and disinformation is important. The following definitions are drawn from the American Psychological Association on misinformation and disinformation: misinformation is understood to be “false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong.” Disinformation is “false information which is deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts.”
Misinformation and disinformation, while distinct in terms of motivation, have similar impacts on democracy. Both play heavily upon human emotions and beliefs, making the sheer existence of false information dangerous, even without context. Social media has been a significant contributor to the rise in mis- and disinformation because these platforms prioritize content that extracts the strongest engagement from the users. As a result, content that is often emotionally charged or sensational leads to greater engagement but harms our ability to engage in democratic deliberation and decision making.
The implied message of minimally regulated social media platforms is the stronger reaction is the right reaction. Similarly, social media algorithms are able to personalize users’ feeds which can work as a great feature for users on social media, allowing users to see the content they desire. At the same time, personalization is also a natural pitfall that only shows viewers heavily skewed content that further reinforces preexisting beliefs.
Misinformation and disinformation attack the very foundation of trust in institutions. False narratives and conspiracy theories are two phenomena that actively seek to erode the trust needed for a democracy to operate cohesively. Within echo chambers, false information thrives as there is nothing in place to check it. As hostility brews, harassment, discrimination, and violence become more common. Polarization then becomes something much more dangerous, because with a lack of correct information, compromise becomes unfeasible.
This type of polarization, rooted in identity rather than in policy preferences, is significantly difficult to reverse because social media algorithms continually amplify content that affirms group identity, deepening echo chambers and turning political differences into rigid social boundaries. As users become increasingly immersed in these curated information ecosystems, they encounter fewer opportunities for meaningful communication across difference, which reduces empathy and normalizes hostility toward opposing groups. These conditions create a digital environment where polarization through mis- and disinformation is self-perpetuating, leaving little room for reconciliation or shared democratic understanding. As a result, it becomes imperative to develop strategies for both educating social media users and regulating platforms.
