Liars know they are lying: differentiating disinformation from disagreement

Stephan Lewandowsky (), Ullrich K. H. Ecker, John Cook, Sander van der Linden, Jon Roozenbeek, Naomi Oreskes and Lee C. McIntyre
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Stephan Lewandowsky: University of Bristol
Ullrich K. H. Ecker: University of Western Australia
John Cook: University of Melbourne
Sander van der Linden: University of Cambridge
Jon Roozenbeek: Kings College London
Naomi Oreskes: Harvard University
Lee C. McIntyre: Boston University

Palgrave Communications, 2024, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Mis- and disinformation pose substantial societal challenges, and have thus become the focus of a substantive field of research. However, the field of misinformation research has recently come under scrutiny on two fronts. First, a political response has emerged, claiming that misinformation research aims to censor conservative voices. Second, some scholars have questioned the utility of misinformation research altogether, arguing that misinformation is not sufficiently identifiable or widespread to warrant much concern or action. Here, we rebut these claims. We contend that the spread of misinformation—and in particular willful disinformation—is demonstrably harmful to public health, evidence-informed policymaking, and democratic processes. We also show that disinformation and outright lies can often be identified and differ from good-faith political contestation. We conclude by showing how misinformation and disinformation can be at least partially mitigated using a variety of empirically validated, rights-preserving methods that do not involve censorship.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03503-6

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