Misinformation vs. Disinformation: Knowing the Difference Matters

Misinformation and disinformation are insanely close to being the same word with just one letter making the difference. However, one holds a much darker and sinister definition. Misinformation is the spread of incorrect information. In other words, not having your facts straight. We have all been guilty of this at one point in our lives by either repeating hearsay or by stating personal opinions that aren’t rooted in facts. Disinformation is a deliberate act of spreading false information with the intention to mislead. This is what us black folks call “playing in your face.” While misinformation can potentially cause harm, disinformation is just out right dangerous.  

On Jun 18, 2025, the Houston Chronicle broke a story about false information circulating accusing a Houston attorney, Brian Trachtenberg, of being the alleged suspect, Vance Boelter, who was arrested for the murders of the Democrat Minnesota lawmaker and her husband. Initially, it could have been mistaken for misinformation but, after taking a deeper look it appears to have been an intentional act. Brian Trachtenberg is the husband of the former chair of the Harris County Democratic Party and the disinformation intent was to shape the narrative that the suspect was a Democrat not a Republican who is said to be a Donald Trump and right-wing influencer supporter as well as very conservative politically.  

The truth is, it’s a very thin line between misinformation and disinformation and bluntly saying, during both Trump administrations is when this fact was made abundantly clear and has been exploited extensively! Disinformation has been a deliberate tactic of this administration to lead the country astray and worse, to influence their disingenuous agendas. Last year, Elon Musk sent out a fury of tweets on X full of disinformation during Congress end-of-year funding deal. Tweets circulated that the deal would increase pay for lawmakers as well incorrect information concerning the cost of a football stadium in Washington D.C. X users spread the information around like wildfire! The confusion ultimately caused Trump to send lawmakers back to the drawing board with a few specific provisions for the deal. The most specific being, “he wants Congress to pass a “streamlined spending bill” that doesn’t give Democrats “everything they want” and has “an increase in the debt ceiling.” This is essentially the outcome Musk was gunning for.  Honestly, I could go on and on in my Erykah Badu voice but, I digress because I wholeheartedly believe you get my point. 

So, at this point I’m sure you’re asking how do we combat such information manipulation? First, we need to understand that misinformation and disinformation are shape shifters. They come in multiple forms from false information spreading quickly online, to fake videos made with AI, wild conspiracy theories, and government-backed lies. Next, understand that we hold a duty to not spread information that we haven’t fact checked or know for sure to be true. Unknowingly participating in the circulation of misinformation or disinformation still causes the same harm regardless of intent. Also, knowing the proper way to correct misinformation is essential for content creators or those who just enjoy sharing information. According to Nonprofitquarterly.org, there are three A’s for effective messaging: “Make sure your content is accurate, actionable, and aspirational.” It was encouraged that, “movement communicators and organizers should pause and reflect when someone repeats bad information. Paying attention to what’s missing from a narrative allows us to “re-present what we want to present in a way that replaces instead of repeats the misinformation.” 

For the millions of people that just enjoy consuming content, take the time to do a narrative analysis. Meaning, look at the story being told, examine how it’s structured and delivered, and understand the deeper meanings, values, or assumptions behind it. Now, if you’re anything like me and just want the easiest way out of this never ending cycle, the simplest way to fight back is to fact check before you repost and don’t believe everything that comes across your social media feeds! Simple, right? 

​By: Sharia Legette