MODULE 1. Introduction to Misinformation, Disinformation, Mal-information and Fake News

Welcome to the first module of InfoReady, where we’ll embark on a journey towards unfolding the complex world of information and the news. In the 21^st century, being literate means being digitally literate, and this literacy is reflected on how we read the news. This is InfoReady’s mission: to explore the complex world of mass information and provide the tools to navigate it. Firstly, we will examine the variety of news sources available from traditional media to online platforms, and alternative sources. We will also delve into the definitions and distinctions of the commonly used terms ‘misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and fake news’. By conceptualizing these terms, we can develop the analytical tools needed to identify and examine them. Furthermore, we will investigate different psychological and social factors that contribute to the creation and spread of misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and fake news to understand the phenomenon of their expansion. On this subject, we will also explore the factors that influence the public firstly to accept and secondly to disseminate false information, as well as the stakeholders involved. In the final topics of this module, we will gain a better understanding of the potential dangers and consequences of misinformation, while we will also cover legal and regulatory frameworks associated with misinformation, particularly within the EU context.

So, le’ts get started! Good luck!