How and why does official information become misinformation? A typology of official misinformation

• Published in: Library & information science research Vol. 45; no. 2; p. 101237
• Main Authors: Ruokolainen, Hilda, Widén, Gunilla, Eskola, Eeva-Liisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.04.2023
• Subjects: Misinformation; Official information; Qualitative research; Qualitative research; Official information; Misinformation
• ISSN: 0740-8188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lisr.2023.101237

It is important to widen the understanding of misinformation in different contexts. The findings of this qualitative study showed that official information can be misinformation. Official information, which is information concerning and/or coming from official services and processes, was studied with semi-structured interviews in two contexts in which support with information was needed. Four types of misinformation were found: outdated, conflicting, and incomplete information and perceived intimidation. Official information has characteristics related to structural factors, language, and terminology, as well as encounters that make it prone to misinformation. A typology of official misinformation was created to show the nuanced nature of misinformation and the different social, contextual, and situational factors surrounding misinformation. In-person support may be needed to tackle misinformation. Official information can be made clearer and more suited to different groups, which also diminishes the risk of misinformation. •Official information can be misinformation, that is, inaccurate, incomplete, vague, or ambiguous information.•Outdated, conflicting, and incomplete information and perceived intimidation are types of misinformation.•Official information has structural, language-related, and encounter-related characteristics that make it misinformation.•The typology of official misinformation shows the broad nature of misinformation in people's information environment.•Tailored in-person support with information can help diminish the risks of misinformation.