MC Library Research Guides: Evaluate Information and Fake News: Home

Explore this guide to learn more about how to evaluate information sources including fake news and misinformation.

Terms in this Guide

Disinformation: False or manufactured information deliberately created and spread purposefully to deceive people or to spread fear and chaos. The purpose behind it could be financial gain- for e.g., click bait, or false advertisement.
Fake News: False or sensational information especially online information under the guise of authentic information.
Misinformation: False information shared without the intent to mislead. For e.g., a post that is shared by someone who thinks it is true or it is harmless.
Propaganda: Ideas or statements that are often false or exaggerated and that are spread in order to help a cause, a political leader, a government, etc.