In intelligence and everyday interactions alike, the terms “disinformation” and “misinformation” are frequently mentioned, often interchangeably. However, understanding the distinction between these two forms of false information is crucial, not only for operatives in the field but for anyone who seeks to critically navigate the vast seas of information in today’s digital age.
Definition and Intent
Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of intent to deceive. Those disseminating misinformation may not know that the information is false and may believe that they are spreading true information. For example, during a crisis, a well-meaning individual might share an unverified report of an incident that turns out to be incorrect.
Disinformation, on the other hand, is deliberately deceptive. It involves the creation and distribution of false information with the intent to deceive or manipulate the public or specific target audiences. Disinformation is a known tool of tradecraft used by operatives to influence public opinion, obfuscate the truth, or achieve strategic objectives. For example, during a covert operation, an operative might spread false information to mislead another country’s intelligence service about their intentions.
Origins and Spread
Misinformation can originate from a misunderstanding or misreporting and spread through social networks and media without malicious intent. It proliferates because individuals share the information with their network, thinking it is true. This can be seen in the rapid spread of rumors following natural disasters or during public health emergencies, where facts are initially scarce.
Disinformation often involves a higher level of planning and sophistication. It may utilize fake news outlets, counterfeit documents, and manipulated videos or images. Operatives trained in tradecraft may employ advanced techniques to ensure that the disinformation reaches and influences the target audience effectively, often using the credibility of unwitting individuals or respected institutions to lend weight to their falsehoods.
PSYOPS
Disinformation and misinformation both play critical roles in psychological operations (PSYOPS), which are designed to influence, disrupt, or deceive targets’ perceptions and behaviors to achieve strategic objectives. PSYOPS operatives carefully craft messages and narratives that exploit vulnerabilities in beliefs and attitudes within the target audience.
Disinformation is particularly potent in PSYOPS because it involves deliberate falsehoods planted to create confusion, reduce morale, manipulate public opinion, or change the course of political and military engagements. By weaving fabricated elements into seemingly credible narratives, operatives can effectively mislead enemy decision-makers, alter the behavior of populations, and create favorable conditions for their own strategic outcomes.
On the other hand, misinformation, while not always intentionally spread with malice, can be opportunistically used in PSYOPS to further propagate confusion and uncertainty among the target audience. Even without the initial intent to deceive, once misinformation is recognized as such, it can be repurposed and amplified by operatives to exploit the situation.
For example, during military conflicts or political crises, ambiguous or poorly verified information can be escalated by opposing forces to create doubts or dissent among the populace. In this way, PSYOPS leverages both misinformation and disinformation as tools to undermine trust, sway public sentiment, and achieve broader psychological and strategic impacts, illustrating the blurred lines between these types of information in psychological warfare.
Detection and Mitigation
Operational and Societal Impacts
The impact of misinformation can be widespread confusion and misdirected actions in public responses. In contrast, disinformation can lead to more severe consequences such as political destabilization, strained diplomatic relations, or social unrest. Both can erode trust in institutions, media, and public figures, complicating democratic processes and governance.
For operatives, the ability to effectively manage, counter, and deploy information operations is an essential skill in modern tradecraft. Mastery of these techniques enables operatives to protect their missions and influence outcomes in the field, maintaining a strategic edge in complex environments.
Example Cases
One notable example of disinformation in recent history occurred during the 2016 United States presidential election, where various actors engaged in deliberate campaigns to mislead and manipulate public opinion. This operation involved the creation and strategic dissemination of false news stories, fake social media accounts, and doctored images aimed at polarizing the American electorate and influencing the electoral outcomes.
Investigations revealed that these efforts were part of a coordinated attempt by Russian operatives to sow discord, undermine trust in democratic institutions, and favor specific political agendas, showcasing the potent impact of disinformation in shaping global political landscapes.
A significant case of misinformation occurred during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when rumors and unverified information about the virus’s origins, transmission, and treatment circulated widely across social media platforms. One pervasive piece of misinformation was the false claim that drinking bleach or other disinfectants could cure COVID-19.
This misinformation, spread partly due to misunderstandings and panic, led to dangerous health practices and overwhelmed health professionals trying to combat both the virus and the flood of misinformation. Such instances underscore the rapid spread and potential harm of misinformation in a crisis, particularly when reliable data is scarce or emerging.
Understanding the nuances between misinformation and disinformation is more than an academic exercise; it’s a crucial skill for discerning truth in a post-truth world. For operatives engaged in or opposing covert activities, and for civilians in their daily lives, sharpening this discernment can significantly enhance strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
Whether countering a disinformation campaign or correcting benign misinformation, the ability to navigate and neutralize false information remains a pivotal skill in safeguarding oneself and one’s interests in an increasingly interconnected world.
[INTEL : PSYOPS: Psychological Operations]
[OPTICS : New York, New York]