Theoretical typology of deceptive content (Conspiracy Theories)

The conceptual fuzziness of terms like misinformation, disinformation, rumour, gossip, conspiracy theories has been discussed by various scholars (e.g. DiFonzo & Bordia, 2007; Rojecki Meraz, 2016). In both academic research and media reports, it is common to see these being used interchangeably. To develop better understanding how why different forms misinformation operate, important clarify the boundaries between in a meaningful way. 
 Field Application/Theoretical foundation:
 their social psychology research, Bordia (2007) propose an effective way differentiate rumour from other terms, which emphasises content, function, context each concept. This three-dimensional framework can be applied systematically concepts related misinformation. field communication studies, as on digital continues grow, crucial for researchers understand contexts concept choose appropriate term accordance with agenda. It worth noting that there are also overlapping dimensions concepts. For instance, contain propaganda.
 Example study:
 Zeng (2018)
 Information Zeng, 2018
 Author: Jing Interest study: her study online rumours during times crises, (2018) applies Bordia’s seven seemingly similar concepts: urban legend, propaganda, theories.
 Table 1. Summary main features Content
 Context
 Function
 Misinformation
 Inaccurate information
 Any circumstances information circulation.
 Does not have any specific function
 Gossip
 Talk about individuals or private behaviour
 Shared casual events.
 Maintaining network, interpersonal relations
 Urban legend
 Meaning-making, value-endorsing stories contemporary life
 Casual setting storytelling.
 Promote cultural moral values
 Disinformation
 Deliberately deceptive Disseminated institutions.
 Undermine public support
 Propaganda
 Messages instrumentally disseminated promote political cause
 Following top-down pattern, official sources.
 ideological Rumour
 Unofficial unverified authorities
 Circulated ambiguity, danger threat.
 Make sense uncertain circumstance
 Conspiracy theory
 Proposed explanations event practice refer machinations influential people, institutions, secret society
 Emerged responses uncertainty perceived threats posed coalition elites/secret actors, constructed ‘alternative’ challenging narratives provided governments, mainstream scientific Serves threat management response, often anti-establishment/anti-science, stance
 Misinformation most generic one among does emphasise dimension information. mostly tandem information, particularly Science scholars. As form defining feature its inaccuracy. Such inaccuracy necessarily caused false but irrelevant incomplete information.
 Gossip information; however, content more private, circulated (DiFonzo instead making, gossip propagated purposes. summarised Foster (2004), functions achieve formation, adaptation, maintenance networks. say, share managing relationship members within group. early literature associated gossiping female networking. Rysman (1977) pointed out, key reason behind patriarchal criticism gossip’s ability ‘to ties outside institution male dominance’ (p. 176). personal focus distinctive feature. Disinformation propaganda two very closely concepts, because they purposes (Lewandowsky, Stritzke, Freund, 2013). disinformation deliberately undermine support regime, whereas mobilise cause regime (Rojecki word originated ‘dezinformacija’, Russian coined former Soviet Union (Karlova Fisher, Given particular region at time, this was originally intelligence operations tactics. However, definition has, over expanded include propagation non-politically motivated. legends tales shared values 2007). Construed way, encode transmit values, mythologically rather than strategically. Furthermore, where values. One criterion legend must grounded day-to-day affairs life, hence ‘urban’ (Bennett Smith, A classic example claim tooth left glass Coca Cola dissolve overnight. story promotes health messages avoid excessive consumption soda drinks. Another case tale drugged traveller awakening ice-filled bathtub, only discover his kidneys removed organ thieves. echoes teaches lesson dangerous situations. Rumour, unofficial – is, whose authenticity verified appeal authority. By definition, characteristic falsity, ‘unofficial’ status therefore institutions (Fine, Second, arises ambiguous, threatening potentially 2007, p. 20). such contexts, make unknown situation. may explain goes hand crisis events, paucity state anxiety populace. theories’ proposed powerful society Coady, 2003; Goertzel, 1994; Keeley, 1999). reference coordinated group deliberate actors. anti-vaccination theories, ‘big pharma’ companies accused conspiring politicians; likewise, flat earthers implicate NASA plot keep truth “true nature” Earth public. Similar mongering, emerge risks, theorising represents collective sensemaking challenge established institutions. Therefore, merely sensemaking, anti-establishment anti-science undercurrents. serve (1) response ‘secret coalitions’ pose direct well-being, health, safety (van Prooijen et al., 2018); (2) stance (Hofstadter, 2012). References
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 Hofstadter, R. (2012). paranoid style American politics. New York: Vintage.
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