What primarily distinguishes disinformation from misinformation?

The primary distinction between disinformation and misinformation lies in the intent behind the spread of the information. Disinformation refers to information that is deliberately falsified and spread with the intention of misleading, manipulating, or influencing individuals or groups. In contrast, misinformation is inaccurate or misleading information that is shared without an intent to deceive; individuals sharing misinformation usually believe it to be true, even if it is not.

By focusing on intent, it becomes clear why the correct choice highlights the difference: disinformation is a conscious effort to mislead, while misinformation can arise innocently from a misunderstanding or mistake. Understanding this distinction is crucial in contexts like media literacy, where recognizing the truthfulness and motivations behind shared information can significantly affect audience perception and responses.