About the Term “Disinformation”

I’ve never cared for the term “disinformation.” It’s a word that anyone who works around *gestures broadly at everything* has to use, and one that I include in proposals and marketing materials. But I’m convinced it’s a word we should probably retire. Here’s why:

• “Disinformation” is just one tactic of many used by trolls and bad actors. And the more sophisticated trolls and bad actors become, the harder it is to refer to what they’re doing purely as disinformation.
• “Disinformation” gives too many institutions and people an easy way to ignore white supremacy, hate speech, and targeted harassment. Because the problem can so easily get distilled down to truth and lies rather than the harm vulnerable communities face and the incitement to violence that puts all of us in danger.
• “Disinformation” doesn’t take the culture wars into account. One thing I’ve seen again and again is that the MAGA base doesn’t really care if something is true or false. Truth and lies aren’t a binary that these folks are particularly interested in. All the fact checks, takedowns, and warning labels in the world aren’t going to change their minds.

I understand why the term took hold. “Disinformation” doesn’t necessarily sound political or partisan. It’s a term media outlets, c3 nonprofits, and their funders were understandably going to feel…