https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820959296
new media & society
1–26
© The Author(s) 2020
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DOI: 10.1177/1461444820959296
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A systematic literature
review on disinformation:
Toward a unified
taxonomical framework
Eleni Kapantai , Androniki Christopoulou,
Christos Berberidis and Vassilios Peristeras
International Hellenic University, Greece
Abstract
The scale, volume, and distribution speed of disinformation raise concerns in
governments, businesses, and citizens. To respond effectively to this problem,
we first need to disambiguate, understand, and clearly define the phenomenon.
Our online information landscape is characterized by a variety of different types
of false information. There is no commonly agreed typology framework, specific
categorization criteria, and explicit definitions as a basis to assist the further
investigation of the area. Our work is focused on filling this need. Our contribution
is twofold. First, we collect the various implicit and explicit disinformation
typologies proposed by scholars. We consolidate the findings following certain
design principles to articulate an all-inclusive disinformation typology. Second, we
propose three independent dimensions with controlled values per dimension as
categorization criteria for all types of disinformation. The taxonomy can promote
and support further multidisciplinary research to analyze the special characteristics
of the identified disinformation types.
Keywords
Disinformation, fact-checking, fake news, false information, information disorder,
taxonomy
Corresponding author:
Eleni Kapantai, School of Science & Technology, International Hellenic University, 14th km Thessaloniki,
Moudania 57001, Thermi, Greece.
Email: e.kapantai@ihu.edu.gr
959296NMS 0 0 10.1177/1461444820959296new media & societyKapantai et al.
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