Why disinformation is dangerous in general

False information has always existed, but today it has become a powerful weapon capable of changing the course of history. In the past, rumors and distorted facts spread more slowly, and their impact was limited.

However, in the digital age, false information has reached a global scale and spreads at an unprecedented speed. It no longer simply distorts individual events but constructs an alternative reality in which truth and fiction are deliberately mixed to serve the interests of its creators.

In this article, I propose to explore the threats posed by false info. I am confident that GFCN experts will expand on my thoughts in their materials.

False information is spread in different forms, with different intentions, and, whether we want it or not, it affects our lives. Often dramatically.

It is necessary to distinguish between spontaneously emerging false information and targeted disinformation. The first may be a consequence of natural cognitive distortions of human perception, errors in interpreting events or distortions in the transmission of information along the chain, as well as a lack or incompleteness of the original data. In such cases, we speak of misinformation.

However, in this text we will deal with disinformation that poses a greater danger. Not only for individuals, but also for entire states or the entire world community.

First of all, there is disinformation that was created on a political order with a predetermined goal. Entire intelligence agencies with thousands of employees are engaged in the production of such disinformation and its subsequent distribution and support, and huge amounts of money are spent on it.

Such disinformation is then often spread by corrupt journalists who present an alternative reality to their subscribers. This is a huge machine built on billions of dollars, which presents the ordinary consumer of information with a carefully constructed facade of a world that the customer has had created for his own interests.

In recent history, we have witnessed many similar disinformation campaigns that have had a fundamental impact on world events. The emergence of essentially every conflict is to some extent related to disinformation. We have seen this in recent years, whether in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and we see it in Ukraine, which is directly related to the interests of Western states in this region.

Disinformation can easily cause the outbreak of conflict. A very good example is, for example, the 8-year war in Iraq, which began on the basis of massively disseminated disinformation that the government of Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. This now well-known lie was further supported by other narratives that aimed to attack the emotions of the audience and thus gain support for a military invasion.

How does disinformation threaten society?

Modern disinformation is a serious threat capable of penetrating every layer of society without exception.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that susceptibility to fake news is directly tied to a person’s media literacy. The most severe consequences occur where people lack the skills to critically analyze information, and where disinformation skillfully exploits societal vulnerabilities — social inequality, economic hardship, and interethnic conflicts.

The insidious nature of professional disinformation lies in its ability to disguise itself as credible content.

By using partially true facts, emotionally charged language, and familiar formats, such material easily bypasses people’s internal filters. As a result, individuals unknowingly become distributors of falsehoods, sharing them across social networks and messaging platforms.

The widespread circulation of fake news leads to two interrelated negative consequences. First, it creates a crisis of trust, where people begin to view all information sources — even reliable ones — with equal skepticism. Second, it generates a dangerous “false alarm” effect, which becomes especially critical in emergencies, as vital warnings may no longer be taken seriously.

The destructive impact of disinformation is most evident during natural disasters or man-made accidents. False instructions and panic-inducing messages not only disrupt rescue operations but also trigger chaotic public behavior, increasing risks and hindering effective emergency response.

Thus, disinformation evolves from a local media issue into a threat to national security and social stability. Combating this phenomenon requires a comprehensive approach — one that integrates technological solutions, legal regulation, and systematic efforts to enhance public media literacy.

How to recognize disinformation?

The disinformation mentioned in the first part of this article is not easy for an ordinary person to recognize at first glance, which is understandable, since the intelligence services make great efforts to produce it in a convincing manner and discredit people who expose their lies in every possible way. However, there are proven methods that allow one to identify fake information even amid professionally organized disinformation campaigns.

• Check the sources. Pay attention to foreign information. Official government agencies or reputable international organizations typically support their claims with documents and evidence. If the data comes from anonymous Telegram channels, dubious news sites, or social media accounts known for spreading false information, this warrants serious skepticism.

• Pay attention to the emotional load. Professional disinformation campaigns frequently employ emotional triggers — anger, fear, or pity — to bypass critical thinking and make people accept lies uncritically. If the information provokes an intense, near-hysterical reaction, pause and consider: are you being manipulated?

• Follow the logic. If something seems unusual, investigate further. Fake news often contains chronological inconsistencies, contradictory details, or implausible claims (such as doctored photos with incorrect lighting or fabricated metadata). A thorough examination of the material can help expose such falsifications.

• Verify the author’s credibility. Journalists or bloggers previously caught spreading false information are likely to repeat such behavior. Always verify whether you’ve encountered this source’s deceptive tactics before.

• Consult experts. If uncertain, turn to professional fact-checkers like the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) for independent verification.

Disinformation will not disappear, but you can learn to spot it. Critical thinking, fact-checking, and recognizing manipulation are your strongest tools against falsehoods that increasingly shape the destinies of entire nations.

For more options for conducting fact-checking, see the educational section of the GFCN website.