Index Entries

February 2022
Department of Homeland Security

"Overview

Digital media literacy (also known as online critical thinking skills) is vital to the safety, security, health, and well-being of individuals and communities. The proliferation of social media and applications has increased the volume of information we are exposed to everyday. With the public health measures imposed as a result of COVID-19, individuals are spending more time online – increasing the risk of being exposed to false or misleading information.

Digital media literacy addresses three types of online content:

  • Misinformation is false, but not created or shared with the intention of causing harm.
  • Malinformation is based on fact, but used out of context to mislead, harm, or manipulate.
  • Disinformation is deliberately created to mislead, harm, or manipulate a person, social group, organization, or country.

Creating or spreading this type of online content can undermine public confidence in our system of government and its institutions."

COVID-19 Disinformation Toolkit

document
censorship,COVID-19