As part of our Think Twice Media Literacy Campaign, we are sharing four short infographics and videos that reveal how false information is created, why it spreads, what forms it takes, and who is involved in spreading it.
By understanding the full picture, we empower ourselves, and our communities, to stay informed, think critically, and resist manipulation online.
1. How Is Disinformation Created and Spread?
False information can move through our digital world in seconds, not because it’s true, but because it triggers emotion, urgency, or trust.
Our first video explains the human behaviors that fuel the chain reaction.
Understanding these patterns helps us slow the spread before misinformation goes viral.
2. Why Is Disinformation Created?
Not all false information is created for the same reason, but one common motive is profit.
Our second infographic/video focuses on how misinformation becomes a business:
- Attention equals revenue — shocking headlines and exaggerated stories attract clicks.
- Engagement is monetized — the more reactions, the more advertisers pay.
- Virality benefits creators — fake stories spread quickly, generating income regardless of accuracy.
- Emotional triggers are intentional — content is crafted to provoke fear, anger, or outrage.
Recognizing clickbait and emotional manipulation helps protect not only our wallets, but also the quality of public conversation.
3. What Is False Information?
The third infographic/video highlights the fundamental types of harmful content circulating online, and why they are so effective:
- Deliberate manipulation, fake offers, fabricated news, and altered videos spread in private groups.
- Social media algorithms amplify sensational or emotional content, regardless of accuracy.
- Confirmation bias makes people accept information that matches what they already believe.
- Low media literacy leaves many users unequipped to verify sources, identify deepfakes, or question credibility.
Not all false information is created equal, but all of it can cause real damage when left unchecked.
4. Who Spreads False Information?
Our fourth video explains the social forces behind sharing behavior, and why even well-intentioned people pass along misinformation:
- Social pressure and echo chambers, we trust what our group shares and want to fit in.
- Peer influence reduces critical thinking.
- Repetition in echo chambers makes falsehoods feel true.
- Social approval, likes and shares often override caution.
- Desire for harmony leads people to avoid questioning others in their group.
Together, these pressures make misinformation feel “safe” or “normal,” even when it’s harmful.
Think Twice — A Small Pause Makes a Big Difference
By understanding how, why, what, and who, we strengthen our ability to navigate today’s fast-moving information landscape.
A few seconds of verification, checking the source, reading beyond the headline, or pausing before hitting “share”, can stop false information from spreading further.
Together, we can outsmart disinformation with knowledge, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Think Twice. Verify before you share.