EOTC#2 | Blog Post 9 | Reflection

Owen spoke about the three different ways of spreading fake information in depth. Most people just think of fake news as fake news however there are more specific ways to explain the spread of fake information. To begin, let's first define the three different types of fake news. 

Malinformation is the first term to define as in my opinion, it is the most common type of fake news. Malinformation is the spreading of correct information however given out of context to lead viewers down a different path. We use this in mass media sources nowadays where they give a minor fact but then change the wording slightly to lead viewers to make their own conclusions that usually end up being incorrect or misleading. 

The second term Owen defined was Misinformation. Misinformation is news that people don't know is real or not. This is typically received by word of mouth and continuously spread to others, like a rumor in high school.

The last term Owen defined was Disinformation. Disinformation is news that the writer had known is not true but chose to spread it in order to create chaos or draw attention. This is by far the most absurd way to spread information however it still remains popular among media sources.

All three terms have their own problems however none of them can really get themselves in trouble due to our First Amendment right of Freedom of Speech. This right protects media sources to make their own claims whether it's true or not because it isn't really against the law beyond just being morally wrong.

Knowing that this would upset us, Owen went on to give us ways in which we could prevent ourselves from falling to the spread of fake news. The main solution Owen spoke about was stepping up and doing our own research. Yes, a media source may go on to discuss false information but that doesn't mean we have to believe it. It is on us, the listeners, to go out and do our own research to stop the global pandemic of false news being spread and ensure that we truly understand the topics we discuss.

In sum, the spread of fake information is a problem in everyday society. By doing your own research, you can prevent yourself from falling to the spread of Malinformation, misinformation, or Disinformation.