What do we mean by Media?

Media refers to all channels of communication, be it to inform, entertain, or communicate.1 In other words, it is any way in which data is distributed to an audience. And whether it’s browsing the local newspaper or reposting videos on TikTok, media plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives. It molds our very culture and identity, impacting our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors – for better or for worse. 

Our understanding of the world around us is “mediated” by the media. 

Today, consumers are bombarded with overwhelming amounts of information, often with blurred lines between fact, fiction, and opinion. Scholars refer to this phenomenon as “information disorder,” a term that encompasses the various categories of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) that pollute our media landscape. Examples of MDM include conspiracy theories, propaganda, and hyper-partisan content. Modern technology and the proliferation of social media has not only made MDM more potent, but more difficult to identify. On a global scale, we are witnessing the increased weaponization of information, which has major implications for American democracy.

Misinformation is false, but not created/shared with ill intent.

Disinformation is created with the intention to mislead, harm, or manipulate.

Malinformation is based in fact, but used out of context to mislead or harm.