Module 2: Spotting Misinformation and Disinformation(part 1)

Module Goal:

Teach seniors how to recognize false or misleading information online understand why it spreads, and learn simple steps to verify what they see.

1. What is Misinformation?
Misinformation = False, misleading, or inaccurate Information that is shared without the intent to mislead.

Examples:

• A person misreads an article and repeats it.

• A well-meaning friend posts something inaccurate.

People usually don't mean any harm; they just didn't check first.

2. What is Disinformation?
Disinformation = false information created or shared on purpose to mislead.

It's designed to:

• Create confusion

• Influence opinions

• Get clicks or money

• Cause strong emotions

• Make people distrust others

It can come from anonymous accounts, fake websites, or people pretending to be something they're not.

3. Why False information spreads so easily

• Posts that cause strong emotion (anger, fear, shock) spread fastest.

• People often share before checking.

• False stories sometimes look "professional".

• Algorithms push posts that get attention.

• Scammers use fake news to steal personal information or money.