Which statement best defines misinformation?

• A. Misinformation: false information shared without intent to deceive
• B. Disinformation: false information spread deliberately to mislead
• C. False information presented as factual
• D. Opinions presented as facts

Answer: (A)

Intent matters in understanding misinformation. Misinformation is false information shared without the intent to deceive—the person sharing it may believe it’s true or be careless, not trying to mislead others. That combination of the content being false and the lack of intent to mislead is what makes this definition the best fit.

Disinformation is the flip side: false information spread on purpose to mislead. The other statements miss that crucial element of intent or try to describe the issue in a way that doesn’t clearly capture the lack of deliberate deception.