beinforming

Beinforming is a neologism that refers to the practice of informing in a manner that prioritizes clarity, transparency, and audience engagement. The term suggests more than simply delivering facts; it emphasizes the communicative act of being informative, responsive, and context-aware in discourse.

Its etymology is not established in standard dictionaries; usage appears sporadically in online discussions and in some academic and policy-related writing from the early 2020s. As a coinage, it is often described as a portmanteau of “be” and “informing,” signaling an epistemic stance of “being informing” rather than merely “to inform.”

Core practices associated with beinforming include presenting data with provenance and limitations, explaining assumptions and uncertainties, citing sources, presenting multiple viewpoints, using plain language, and inviting audience questions. It is commonly framed as a subset of transparent communication and is applied in journalism, science communication, public policy, and corporate reporting.

Critiques note that the term remains underspecified and may be interpreted variably. Proponents argue it helps build trust and understanding, while critics caution against performative transparency or information overload. Effective beinforming typically requires consideration of audience literacy, cultural context, and the accessibility of evidence.

See also: information transparency, science communication, risk communication, plain language, information design.