Define fake news and distinguish misinformation from disinformation.

• A. Fake news is false information presented as news; misinformation is false information without intent to deceive; disinformation is false information spread with intent to mislead.
• B. Fake news is always generated by bots; misinformation is political; disinformation is satire.
• C. All three are synonyms; no distinction.
• D. Fake news is true but misrepresented; misinformation is verified; disinformation is accidental.

Answer: (A)

Understanding the distinction among fake news, misinformation, and disinformation hinges on truthfulness and intent. Fake news is false information presented as if it were real news, aimed at resembling legitimate reporting to mislead or manipulate readers. Misinformation is false information shared without the sharer meaning to deceive—people may believe it’s true and pass it along unintentionally. Disinformation is false information spread deliberately to mislead or manipulate an audience, often with a specific goal in mind.

This framing helps explain why the other descriptions don’t fit: some tie fake news to bots or politics, or call all three synonyms, or claim fake news is true but misrepresented. The clear, helpful distinction is about truthfulness and intent rather than the format or the channel.