Social media connects patients to stories, communities, and health campaigns, but it also fuels myths and misinformation. Many patients arrive to the exam room with questions or worries shaped by what they saw online.
Understanding the difference between misinformation and disinformation helps providers cut through the noise, guide conversations, and protect patient trust.
What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation on social media?
- Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that spreads without intent to harm.
Examples:- A YouTube short video explaining that birth control “builds up in the body” and needs to be “detoxed”
- Your cousin reposting a meme that claims birth control “causes infertility”
- A TikTok user sharing their negative experience with a particular birth control method
Misinformation often spreads through personal anecdotes, influencers, or well-meaning friends and family. It’s powerful because it feels relatable and authentic. The intent isn’t malicious—it’s misinformation because it’s inaccurate (or incomplete), not because someone is trying to mislead or deceive.
- Disinformation is false information shared with the intent to deceive or cause harm.
Examples:- Influencers from anti-choice organizations pushing false claims about abortion safety attempting to shape political views and public opinion
- Coordinated posts claiming that that the HPV vaccine is a “government plot” tied to financial motives
- Creators pushing “health products” promoted with intentional lies, such as supplements marketed as “fertility boosters” or detox teas to “flush out” hormonal contraception
Disinformation is often more strategic. It may come from individuals amplifying conspiracy theories, bots designed to erode trust in health care providers, or campaigns linked to political agendas. The goal is to intentionally mislead, sow doubt, or stigmatize.
Either way, by the time a patient sees you, the message often feels real and emotionally charged. Both misinformation and disinformation can undermine evidence-based care, but the difference in intent shapes how you might respond.
Why this distinction matters for providers
Understanding whether a patient’s concern stems from misinformation or disinformation helps providers choose the right approach, build trust, and keep counseling efficient.
- Tone of response:
- Patients repeating misinformation may respond best to gentle clarification and validation: “I hear why that would be confusing. Would you like to talk about what the evidence shows?”
- With disinformation, naming the manipulative intent can empower patients: “This video is actually trying to push fear and science doesn’t support that they’re saying.” Naming the agenda can help patients see the manipulation.
- Impact on trust: Dismissing patient concerns outright risks alienating them. Recognizing where a question or belief comes from helps us validate concerns without reinforcing false claims.
- Time-saving counseling: You don’t need to correct every detail. Patients rarely need a journal-club-level explanation. One or two distilled takeaways are usually enough. Focus on the core clinical truth that matters most for decision-making. Share trusted resources like Bedsider for patients to review on their own time.
The Bottom Line
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that spreads without intent to harm. Disinformation is false information shared with the intent to deceive or cause harm.
Want to go deeper? Mis/disinformation trends and guides available on Bedsider Providers+ help members stay on top of the social media trends shaping patients’ beliefs and offer evidence-based talking points to address the most common mis/disinformation trends.