Abstract

This article investigates digital‑age disinformation by analysing its forms, histories and dissemination mechanisms, and by evaluating media‑literacy responses. The author researches distinctions among disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation, historical antecedents and contemporary vectors such as bots, trolls, and deepfakes. Empirical and conceptual analysis of categories (clickbait, propaganda, satire, sloppy journalism, misleading headlines) informs a practical verification checklist for citizens. The study assesses the limits of individual verification, argues for updated media‑literacy programmes, and calls for coordinated action by educators, journalists, platforms, criminologists and policymakers to build resilience against evolving deceptive practices while safeguarding freedom of expression.