Each of these is a form of fake news and can be used for different reasons. I think the more dependent we become on social media the more susceptible to fake news we become. Personally, I do not think that I get fooled often by fake news as most of the fake news I see is about sports. The information is pretty easy to verify as true or not by checking the account that posted it. However many people are tricked by fake news specifically elderly people and children. These are the groups that are also most targeted for online scams. We all have to stay alert to fake news by trying to verify information with multiple sources if it does not sound real. The government cannot help us with this issue as any fake news that does not slander anyone because it falls under the 1st Amendment as Freedom of Expression.
All three are defined by the Canada Centre for Cyber Security. Misinformation refers to false information that is not intended to cause harm. This could be a news story that was reported and later found to be false without the media realizing it. Disinformation is information that is intended to manipulate, cause damage, or guide people, organizations, and countries in the wrong direction. Malinformation refers to information that stems from the truth but is often exaggerated in a way that misleads or causes harm.
Fake news is not going anywhere so by being aware that many of the stories are clickbait or use emotional triggers we can better understand what news might be fake. Using reliable news sources and ignoring stories that are obviously just to get clicks is the first way to avoid fake news and doing your own research by cross-referencing information is also very effective. Some fake news is a joke and not meant to be taken seriously but much of it can be damaging to individuals involved if stories are a lie or distorted truth. Never believe everything you see should always be in the back of anyone's mind while on the strange cesspool that is the internet.
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