dezenformasyon

Dezenformasyon is a term used to describe information that is deliberately false or misleading and spread with the intent to deceive, influence opinions, or shape political or social outcomes. The concept emphasizes intentional manipulation, distinguishing it from misinformation, which refers to false information shared without harmful intent, and from mal-information, which uses truthful content in a harmful context.

In modern discourse, dezenformasyon often involves coordinated campaigns, fabricated stories, doctored media, misleading framing, or the use of fake accounts and bots to amplify a message. It can target elections, public health, or social issues, aiming to sow doubt, polarization, or confusion. The term is frequently applied to state-sponsored or organized non-state actors that seek to alter public perception or undermine trust in institutions.

Historical and contemporary use of dezenformasyon spans from traditional propaganda to digital-era information warfare. With the rise of social media and online platforms, the speed and scale of such campaigns have increased, enabling rapid dissemination and micro-targeted messaging. The credibility of sources, the manipulation of visuals, and the economic incentives of engagement all contribute to its effectiveness.

Responding to dezenformasyon involves a combination of media literacy, rigorous fact-checking, transparent sourcing, and platform-level interventions such as content moderation and provenance indicators. Researchers and policymakers emphasize resilience through critical thinking, timely debunking, and institutional transparency to reduce the spread and impact of deliberate falsehoods.