The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Disinformation -- What is It, Why Is it, and What Can We Do About It? - Encore

May 21, 2025
Lee McIntyre, a philosopher and author at Boston University, dives into the complex world of disinformation. He clarifies the critical differences between disinformation and misinformation, emphasizing intentional deception. The discussion highlights the troubling rise of disinformation in the digital age and its impact on democracy. McIntyre stresses the importance of media integrity, contrasting U.S. polarized views with nuanced reporting. He also addresses the decline of local journalism and its implications for community trust and informed discourse.
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INSIGHT

Disinformation vs Misinformation

  • Disinformation differs from misinformation because it is intentional and deceptive.
  • It involves lies invented to manipulate and make victims of the people who believe them.
ANECDOTE

Russian Disinfo on COVID Vaccines

  • Russian intelligence created the COVID vaccine microchip tracking lie in 2020.
  • Their goal was to destabilize the U.S. and promote their own Sputnik vaccine globally.
ADVICE

Pre-bunking Disinformation Early

  • Fight disinformation by exposing the lies early, ideally before they spread.
  • Pre-bunking and immediate debunking reduce the lie's impact and save people from being duped.
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