Online disinformation

Online disinformation is designed to trigger an emotional response. If it raises your eyebrows, it should raise questions.

Disinformation is false information that is deliberately intended to mislead. It is sometimes called “fake news”.

Learn more about how disinformation spreads, who creates it and why.

On this page

• How disinformation harms you
• Tips and tools to spot disinformation
  • Look out for emotional red flags
  • Use fact-checking tools and services
  • Do a reverse image search
  • Spot spoof websites
  • Spot fake social media accounts
• Counter disinformation
• Find out more

How disinformation harms you

Most of us make decisions about our lives based on information we find online. Those decisions may be about our health, our finances, or other issues affecting our families and communities.

When we base our decisions on bad information, the choices we make may not be in our best interests.

Confusion

Disinformation makes it harder to find factual content you can trust.

Even if you don’t believe it, disinformation can create doubt and confusion. It can cause you to delay making important decisions that could affect your wellbeing.

Disinformation can continue to influence your beliefs even after you find out something is not true.

Health

Disinformation is particularly harmful when it concerns our health.