What is misinformation?

The concept of misinformation is defined as false or misleading information that is shared without the intent to deceive. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the difference between misinformation and disinformation; the latter involves the intentional spread of false information to mislead others.

Misinformation can arise from errors, lack of understanding, or the spread of rumors, where the person sharing the information may genuinely believe it to be true. Recognizing that misinformation lacks the element of intent to deceive allows individuals to approach it with a mindset of correction and education rather than condemnation. People often share such information without fact-checking, which underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills.

In contrast, the other options involve deliberate intent to deceive or inaccuracies that imply a specific agenda, which don't align with the general definition of misinformation.