To put it bluntly, disinformation is lying. It is the intentional manufacturing and distribution of information intended to obscure the truth.
The most basic type of disinformation is little more than fiction: purely false information passed off as true. On a more subtle level, it can involve lies of omission, exaggerated or fictionalized half-truths, or diversionary information designed to obscure the real issue and discredit those with opposing views.
Examples of this are all abound in global corporate media. In the United States, comedian Jon Stewart's show
The Daily Show exposes disinformation campaigns in a humorous way. Below are some examples.
You get the idea.
Disinformation in the Attention Economy: A Business Opportunity
Disinformation may no doubt be distasteful, but it is a problem -- and like any problem, an opportunity exists in providing a solution. The Internet makes information, and thus, disinformation, easier to create.
As the amount of disinformation increases, value will shift to services that help people find quality relevant and important information. Such services will need to be trustworthy, and will need to be knowledgeable enough to identify important information. As the Internet grows, the battle for attention will only intensify -- and companies that deliver solutions that enable users to maximize their ROI on their attention will be in a good position to develop a solid and loyal customer base.
Other Posts in This Series
Mockingbird Marketing: Controlling Perception by Controlling Media
Problem Reaction Solution
Disinformation: Using the Truth to Tell Lies
Additional Resources for Exploring Black Op Marketing
Linear Mode
