The image below from Understanding Information Disorder is helpful for thinking about the ecosystem of misinformation and disinformation which can be organized into seven types that exist on a spectrum -- one that loosely measures intent to deceive and harm.
As scholar Claire Wardle points out, "it's complicated."
Satire or parody = No intention to cause harm but has potential to fool.
False connection = When headlines, visuals or captions don't support the content.
Misleading content = Misleading use of information to frame an issue or individual.
False context = When genuine content is shared with false contextual information.
Imposter content = When genuine sources are impersonated.
Manipulated content = When genuine information or imagery is manipulated to deceive.
Fabricated content = New content that is 100% false, made to deceive and do harm.
