Many researchers insist that the term 'fake news' should not be used because information distortion is more nuanced. According to them, the term 'fake news' is an inadequate term because it does not always contain false information and is most often used by people who did not like what was written about them. Also, the constant association of the media with the term 'fake news' has damaged the audience's trust in the media.
Types of information disorders
Researchers Claire Wardle and Hossein Derakshan have created a framework for classifying information disorder, its production process and motivators. According to them, there are 7 types of information disorder, which are illustrated in the figure below. These represent a wide spectrum of problematic content on the web, from satire and parody to fabricated content in its most complete form.
Types of information disorder
Meanwhile, what is called 'fake news', according to them, revolves around three concepts: disinformation, misinforming and misinformation. It is important to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information, as well as the purpose of the messages that are created, produced, and distributed by “agents.” Some of them are created with the intention of harming, while others are unintentional errors, as the graph below shows:
● disinformation It is the case when false information is knowingly provided to harm a person, social group, organization or state.
● misinforming refers to cases where false information is provided, but without the intention of causing harm.
● Misinformation It is information that is based on reality, to cause harm, often publishing information that should be kept private.
Motivating factors of disinformation
According to researchers Wardle and Derakshan, there are four motivating factors for the production of information disorder:
- Financial: Profiting from informational distortion through advertising;
- Political: Discrediting a political candidate in an election and other attempts to influence public opinion;
- Social: Connecting with a specific group online or offline; and
- Psychological: Seeking prestige or strengthening positions.
The detailed publication of Wardle and Derakshan Information Disorder: Towards an Interdisciplinary Framework for Studies and Policymaking you can read it at the following link: https://hibrid.info/crregullimi-informativ/