Zach McDowell Discusses Strategies to Combat Misinformation

In the age of rapid digital information exchange, understanding how to navigate the complex landscape of information has become a crucial skill. Zach McDowell, assistant professor of communication at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), recently provided insights into the distinctions between information, misinformation, and disinformation, offering valuable guidance for consumers in today’s media environment.

McDowell, who works in the UIC Department of Communication at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, emphasized that the definition of information is remarkably broad. “The definition of information is, kind of, anything,” he explained in a recent interview with Science Sparks. “All the things that can be describing things and places and whatever, it can all be information.”

Importantly, he noted that information doesn’t necessarily have to be factual—a distinction that highlights the importance of focusing on reliability rather than just the presence of information itself.

When discussing the differences between misinformation and disinformation, McDowell clarified that misinformation is simply incorrect information that may spread for various reasons. People might misquote sources, possess wrong information, or share content without proper verification.

Disinformation, however, carries a more insidious quality. “Disinformation is the intent to spread misinformation,” McDowell stated, pointing to the deliberate nature of such content. Yet he also acknowledged the practical difficulties in definitively proving intent, which complicates efforts to categorize misleading content.

Rather than getting caught up in labeling content as either misinformation or disinformation, McDowell suggests a more practical approach: “What we want to think about is who’s saying it, why are they saying it, and have they come around to admitting their mistakes.” This framework offers consumers a more actionable way to evaluate information sources.

The digital media landscape presents particular challenges for information consumers. Social media platforms allow for unprecedented speed in information sharing, while algorithmic curation often creates echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs. These technological realities make critical evaluation skills all the more essential.

For those seeking to become smarter information consumers, McDowell provides practical advice. He recommends asking what the information is trying to accomplish—what it wants you to believe or do—and examining its source carefully.

“If it sounds like it’s a little too good to be true, or it sounds like it’s fitting too perfectly into a narrative, I think that that should be the first thing that sets up some red flags,” he cautioned. Even when information aligns with one’s existing beliefs, taking a moment to verify it remains crucial.

McDowell suggests straightforward verification methods accessible to anyone. A simple internet search can reveal whether reputable news sources like the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, or New York Times have covered the topic. Consulting multiple sources allows consumers to develop a more nuanced understanding of issues.

Information literacy has gained increased attention in academic circles and public discourse, particularly following recent election cycles and the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms. Educators and media literacy advocates have pushed for more formal training in information evaluation at all educational levels.

McDowell’s recommendations align with broader information literacy principles advocated by library associations and media education organizations, which encourage skepticism, source verification, and cross-referencing before accepting or sharing information.

As digital communication continues to evolve, the ability to critically evaluate information sources remains an essential skill for engaged citizenship. By following McDowell’s guidance to slow down, verify sources, and question narrative-perfect information, consumers can better navigate today’s complex information environment.