What is false information and what can we do about it?
I can explain different types of false information and why it is problematic.
What is false information and what can we do about it?
I can explain different types of false information and why it is problematic.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are different types of false information including misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
- False information is damaging in a democracy as citizens need to be able to trust the news.
- Regulations can support in limiting the ammount of false news, but social media is more difficult to regulate.
- Citizens should critically evaluate information to consider its accuracy.
Keywords
Democracy - a system of Government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for political representatives.
Misinformation - false or misleading information shared by mistake, without intent to deceive
Disinformation - false information shared deliberately to mislead or harm
Malinformation - true information used out of context to mislead or harm
Regulation - rules or laws to control or guide behaviour for society’s benefit
Common misconception
Social media news posts are always accurate.
There is misinformation within all media, but even more so with social media due to a lack of regulation.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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