How to Spot Misinformation and Disinformation: Smarter Cyber Literacy in 2025

Misinformation, disinformation, and so-called “fake news” aren’t just buzzwords. They are embedded in the digital battleground where truth and deception collide. As we scroll through social media, we’re constantly hit with posts that blur the line between fact and fiction. From COVID-19 claims to political spin, celebrity rumors, business scams, and even global conflicts, no topic is off-limits when it comes to misleading content.

While the internet is a goldmine of reliable information, falsehoods spread just as easily, if not faster, than facts. Social media, in particular, is a breeding ground for misinformation, thanks to its frictionless sharing and engagement-driven algorithms. Platforms are wired to amplify content that sparks strong emotional reactions—especially fear and anger—making it even easier for bad actors to manipulate narratives and mislead audiences with misinformation and disinformation.

What is the Difference between Misinformation and Disinformation?

We’ve all heard about misinformation and disinformation, but what is the difference? It starts with intent.

Disinformation is more insidious because it’s deliberately crafted to spread falsehoods. The goal isn’t just to mislead—it’s to manipulate, create confusion, or undermine factual information. State-sponsored propaganda, for example, often falls into this category, seeding doubt and discord to serve a specific agenda.

Misinformation, on the other hand, lacks that intent. It’s the spread of inaccurate information by people who genuinely believe it to be true. This could be someone sharing an outdated social media post that aligns with their beliefs, unaware that the information has been debunked.

You may also see the term malinformation in relation to misinformation and disinformation. Malinformation is actually factual, but it is exaggerated, spun, and spread with the intent of causing harm. For example, an edited video clip that does not show the full context of the conversation.

Regardless of the type, both misinformation and disinformation can result in negative consequences, including making people more skeptical towards the information they come across. For organizations and individuals alike, recognizing the signs of misinformation is essential to stopping its spread.

Four Ways to Arm Yourself Against False Misinformation

Misinformation and disinformation are everywhere, but there are practical ways to separate fact from fiction. While doing your own research and consulting experts is always a smart move, that’s not always feasible in the moment.

If a claim seems outlandish, too good to be true, or raises more questions than answers, it’s time to take a closer look. Here are four ways to help determine whether the content in front of you is credible, or just another piece of misinformation.

1. Check Your Emotions, and Headlines, at the Door

Misinformation thrives on emotional reactions. It plays on biases, taps into fears, and often affirms unconscious beliefs, making it easier for falsehoods to spread. When emotions take over, people are less likely to scrutinize a source or question its motivations.

That’s why it’s crucial not to rely solely on headlines. Headlines are designed to grab attention and drive engagement, often assuming that many readers won’t bother with the full story. Before reacting, liking, or sharing, take the time to read the entire article. If a headline seems outrageous, it’s likely engineered to provoke a response—without much concern for accuracy.

Of course, not all emotionally charged content is misinformation. But if something sparks a strong reaction, it’s worth pausing to evaluate whether it’s informing you or just manipulating your emotions.

2. Weight, y are their sOo Many Misteaks?

Reputable sources take great care to edit their published content. While typos alone aren't a guaranteed identifier of misinformation–let's face it, they happen to all of us–they are a red flag that what you're reading may not have been adequately reviewed. On the surface, typos and other grammar or spelling mistakes may indicate the content’s original creator rushed to disseminate the information without checking the facts. Additionally, many English-content farms operate in countries where English is not natively spoken.

3. Consider the Source, Not Just the Story

Claims made in articles should be supported by credible, authoritative sources. This is where doing your research, and not giving into reactive emotions, is key. Does scientific data come from peer-reviewed, official sources? Is that foreign policy “expert” actually an expert? If they are cited in other known and relevant news articles or publications, then there is a good chance that they are credible.

Also, consider where the content itself is coming from. Anyone can build a website that looks official, but that doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy. Checking the “About” page of a site can provide insight into its credibility and mission. If an article lacks verifiable sources, that’s a red flag. Some sources do request anonymity, but reputable journalists and news outlets follow strict verification guidelines—like those outlined by the Associated Press (AP).

Pro Tip: When in doubt, use fact-checking sites like FactCheck.org, the News Literacy Project, and NewsGuard, to determine if you are consuming is accurate and reliable.

4. Spot the Satire

Not everything online is meant to be taken seriously. If content seems overly funny or sarcastic, there’s a good chance it’s satire rather than factual reporting. Several well-known websites publish satire that, at first glance, can appear legitimate. Adding to the confusion, newer satire outlets may not be widely recognized yet, leading some to mistake them for real news. This is yet another reason to look beyond headlines—examining the full story and the source itself can help determine whether a piece is credible or just playing for laughs.

But it’s not just satire that muddies the information waters. Memes, now a dominant form of online communication, have also been weaponized to spread misinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories—often without attribution. Before hitting "share" on a meme, take a moment to consider both its message and the context behind its creation. Memetic warfare is very real, and its impact extends far beyond social media, fueling real-world consequences.

Protect Yourself and Your Organization from Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation aren’t new tactics, but today’s digital landscape allows them to spread faster and more easily than ever, especially with social media acting as an accelerant. At the same time, distinguishing fact from fiction has become more challenging across the board.

Whether the falsehoods are intentional or not, protecting yourself from inaccurate information is a skill that takes practice. While tools and resources can help, they alone won’t stop the spread of misinformation. The risks are real, and bad actors are ready to exploit them. Now more than ever, both individuals and organizations must take a proactive approach to responsible information consumption. Because disrupting misinformation starts with awareness, vigilance, and a commitment to truth.

Learn more about the current threat landscape in ZeroFox Intelligence's 2025 Key Forecasts Report and summary of current cybersecurity trends.