Truth in the Digital Age: Countering Mis and Disinformation

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, discerning truth from falsehood has become increasingly complex. Information spreads faster than ever across social media platforms, messaging apps and online forums, often without verification. This fuels the spread of both misinformation and disinformation and creates significant risks for individuals and society.

But we are not powerless in the face of these challenges. Explore our resources to learn how to spot and challenge mis/disinformation, become more responsible digital citizens and contribute to creating safer and more equitable online spaces for all.

What’s the Difference? Misinformation vs. Disinformation

  • Misinformation: This refers to false or inaccurate information shared without the intent to deceive.
  • Disinformation: This involves false content designed to mislead and harm.

Actua is offering practical and age-appropriate resources for parents, caregivers, educators and youth to recognize and respond to mis and disinformation. From conversation starters and expert insights to classroom activities, these materials are designed to open dialogue, support critical thinking and encourage safe navigation of digital spaces.

Resources

Gendered Disinformation

The impacts of disinformation are not felt equally. It often exploits existing social inequalities and vulnerabilities to cause greater harm. A particularly concerning form is gendered disinformation –  coordinated online attacks that weaponize gender to inflict harm on women and gender-diverse individuals. Gendered disinformation relies on stereotypes, manipulated narratives and even AI-generated personas to spread falsehoods and discredit their targets. It inflicts damage on multiple levels: 

  • Inflicts psychological distress
  • Silences individuals
  • Strains relationships
  • Contributes to toxic online environments
  • Discourage participation in public discourse and civic engagement 
  • Threatens our democratic processes

New research conducted by Actua, the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CSKA) and the Sapper Labs Group,  has revealed the alarming prevalence and far-reaching consequences of gendered disinformation on youth, families and society. 

In response, new resources have been developed to provide evidence-based strategies for understanding and combating this urgent threat. The more youth understand gendered disinformation, AI and social media, how they work, and ethical considerations around their use, the better prepared they are to lead and shape technology and its positive applications. 

Parents toolkit

This toolkit helps parents/caregivers empower their family against gender disinformation, helping youth in navigating online spaces safely and responsibly.

Educators toolkit

This toolkit helps educators equip youth to recognize and challenge gendered disinformation with subject connections, grade-specific ideas and cross-curricular links.

Youth toolkit

This toolkit for youth explores gendered disinformation in simple terms and offers tips to combat fake online information, empowering them to navigate digital spaces safely.

Seeking help? Cyberbullying and gendered disinformation can feel overwhelming,

but there are people and organizations ready to support you. If the situation is serious, such as threats or ongoing harassment, you can report it to:

  • NeedHelpNow.ca
  • Cybertip.ca
  • Protectchildren.ca
  • ProtectKidsOnline.ca
  • NeedTalk.ca
  • or even local police, if necessary.

Actua's Cyber Smart Project

Actua’s Cyber Smart Education Project aims to empower youth to explore, create and connect responsibly online.

Learn more

Looking for more?

Visit our Learning Hub for all STEM resources for parents, caregivers and educators.

Learning Hub