The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Encore: Truth and Disinformation.

9 snips
Sep 10, 2025
Lee McIntyre, an American philosopher and author specializing in truth and disinformation, dives deep into the complexities of our information landscape. He explains the critical differences between misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the role of the internet in amplifying misleading narratives. McIntyre discusses the emotional and ideological hurdles posed by reality denial and its threats to democracy. He also highlights the alarming trend of local newspaper closures in the U.S. and how this crisis exacerbates the spread of disinformation in communities.
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INSIGHT

Intent Distinguishes Falsehoods

  • Disinformation is distinct from misinformation because it is intentional and designed to deceive.
  • Lee McIntyre emphasizes calling origin-lies "disinformation" to highlight malicious intent.
INSIGHT

Internet Scaled Industrial Deception

  • Internet and social media made disinformation scale from wartime tactic to everyday tool.
  • McIntyre notes misinformation can spread when people unknowingly pass on deliberate lies.
ANECDOTE

Origin Story Of The Microchip Lie

  • McIntyre cites the microchip-in-vaccine claim as a Russian SVR invention pushed in April 2020.
  • The Oriental Review article urged social sharing and reached millions, with 28% of Americans believing it in May 2020.
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