The End of the Word “Misinformation”?

NewsGuard, a platform that evaluates the reliability of news sources, is retiring the terms “misinformation” and “disinformation” in favor of more specific labels such as “false claim.” The organization argues these words have become politicized and less effective, echoing the decline of “fake news.”

For public health communicators, this shift highlights the importance of language in shaping public understanding and trust. By identifying whether a report fabricates facts, distorts events, or impersonates sources, communicators may find clearer ways to explain health risks. However, the change raises questions about whether new terms will also become diluted or politicized over time. Read the article in Psychology Today here.