An Agenda for Disinformation Research

Understand

In the 21st Century information environment, adversarial actors use disinformation to manipulate public opinion.

• The distribution of false, misleading, or inaccurate information with the intent to deceive is an existential threat to the United States--distortion of information erodes trust in the socio-political institutions that are the fundamental fabric of democracy: legitimate news sources, scientists, experts, and even fellow citizens.
• As a result, it becomes difficult for society to come together within a shared reality; the common ground needed to function effectively as an economy and a nation.
• Computing and communication technologies have facilitated the exchange of information at unprecedented speeds and scales.