fejlinformationer

Fejlinformationer is a Danish term describing information that is false or misleading presented as factual. It covers a range of content from outright fabrication to selectively edited material and misleading framing. In everyday use the term is often grouped with misinformation and disinformation, though scholars distinguish intent: misinformation refers to false information spread without harmful intent, while disinformation implies deliberate deception. The label fejlinformationer can thus refer to both categories depending on context.

Fejlinformationer spread through many channels, including social media, messaging apps, blogs, traditional media, and manipulated images or videos. Common forms include fabricated claims, miscaptioned photographs, doctored statistics, sensational headlines, and rumors that rely on credible-sounding sourcing to gain legitimacy. Psychological factors such as confirmation bias and emotional arousal facilitate rapid sharing.

The consequences can be significant. Fejlinformationer can distort public understanding, influence opinions and behavior, erode trust in institutions, and fuel social polarization. They pose particular risks in public health, elections, and safety-critical domains.

Mitigation involves a combination of fact-checking, source verification, media literacy, and platform policies. Fact-checkers assess claims against evidence and provide corrections; educators and outlets promote critical thinking; platforms label or remove harmful content and reduce the reach of dubious material. Media literacy programs encourage readers to check sources, verify images, and recognize manipulation techniques.

See also misinformation, disinformation, fact-checking, and media literacy. While intention often guides terminology, real-world use frequently blends categories.