Why is misinformation bad?

Misinformation Leads to Poor Decisions

Every day, people make decisions based on information they believe to be accurate.

We rely on information to decide which medical treatments to pursue, which products to purchase, which candidates to support, and how to respond to events happening around us.

When that information is false, our decisions can suffer.

For example, someone who believes an inaccurate medical claim might avoid an effective treatment. A voter who encounters false information about election procedures might misunderstand how or when to cast their ballot. Someone who believes a fabricated accusation might unfairly damage another person's reputation.

The problem isn't necessarily that people are making irrational decisions. They may be responding logically to the information available to them. Unfortunately, that information is wrong.

Misinformation Undermines Trust

One of the most damaging consequences of misinformation is its ability to erode trust in institutions, experts, and even other people.

Michael Rich, former president and CEO of the RAND Corporation, describes a phenomenon called truth decay. It involves several interconnected trends, including increasing disagreement about objective facts, the blurring of fact and opinion, and declining trust in traditionally respected sources of information.

When people repeatedly encounter contradictory claims, determining what is true can become increasingly difficult.

Some may become skeptical of legitimate journalism, scientific research, or public institutions. Others may retreat into information sources that consistently reinforce their existing beliefs.

This creates a difficult problem: even accurate information can become less persuasive when people no longer trust the institutions or individuals presenting it.

Misinformation Increases Political Polarization

Misinformation can also deepen political divisions.

People naturally tend to find information that supports their existing beliefs more convincing, a psychological tendency known as confirmation bias.

When false information reinforces someone's political identity or portrays an opposing group negatively, they may be more inclined to believe or share it without carefully checking its accuracy.

Social media can amplify this problem by rapidly circulating emotionally engaging content, particularly material that provokes anger, fear, or outrage.

As a result, people may develop increasingly distorted perceptions of their political opponents.

Instead of disagreeing about how to solve a shared problem, they may disagree about whether the problem exists, who caused it, or what actually happened.

Misinformation Threatens Democracy

Democracy depends on citizens having access to reliable information.

Voters need accurate information to evaluate candidates, understand public policies, and hold elected officials accountable. Journalists, researchers, and other institutions help provide the evidence necessary for those decisions.

Jonathan Rauch, author of The Constitution of Knowledge, emphasizes the importance of shared standards for determining what is true.

A democratic society does not require everyone to agree about politics. However, meaningful disagreement becomes more difficult when people cannot establish a common factual foundation.

For example, citizens can reasonably disagree about whether a particular law is beneficial. But if they cannot agree about what the law actually says, debating its merits becomes considerably harder.

Misinformation can also create opportunities for manipulation. Political actors or other interested parties may exploit widespread confusion to promote misleading narratives, discredit opponents, or weaken confidence in democratic processes.

Why Do People Spread Misinformation?

Importantly, misinformation is not always spread intentionally.

Pauline Hoffman, an infodemiologist and author of Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories, explains that people often share inaccurate information because they genuinely believe it is true.

Someone might encounter a misleading headline, assume it is accurate, and share it with friends or family.

This differs from disinformation, which involves deliberately spreading false information to deceive others.

However, the consequences can be similar. A false claim can continue spreading long after its original source has been forgotten, regardless of whether the people sharing it intend to mislead anyone.

How Can We Reduce the Harm of Misinformation?

The good news is that everyone can help reduce misinformation by developing better information habits.

Before sharing a questionable claim, consider where it originated, whether credible sources confirm it, and whether the content is designed to provoke an emotional reaction.

Look for original evidence rather than relying exclusively on headlines, screenshots, or social media summaries.

And perhaps most importantly, remain willing to update your beliefs when credible new evidence emerges.

Misinformation is dangerous not simply because people believe things that are false, but because those beliefs can influence real decisions, relationships, and democratic institutions.

Taking the time to verify information helps protect both our individual judgment and our collective ability to make informed decisions.