WASHINGTON: In the United States, the term “disinformation” is quickly turning into a pejorative term. In a politically divisive environment, it is so controversial that some scholars who investigate the negative consequences of lies are giving up on it completely.
The study of disinformation appears to be more important than ever in an age of internet deceit and information manipulation, but academics are facing government funding cuts, an increase in abuse, and even death threats, which are partly being fueled by right campaigners accusing them of having a leftist bias.
These days, some academics are choosing to use more neutral terminology, such as terms and occasionally technical jargon, that are less likely to agitate or divert important public conversations regarding the abundance of incorrect information on the internet.
