Final answer:
Disinformation is the willful creation or distortion of information to serve a hidden agenda, often spread across media platforms and exacerbated by social media algorithms, which tends to entrench polarized views and manipulate public opinion.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, disinformation refers to the intentional creation or distortion of information to deceive and manipulate the public, often to serve a hidden agenda. The way disinformation spreads has evolved with technology. It proliferates across various media platforms, creating challenges for distinguishing fact from fiction.
Social media algorithms contribute to the spreading of disinformation by creating echo chambers, wherein users are exposed predominantly to viewpoints mirroring their own beliefs, further entrenching polarized views. Disinformation can serve to undermine trust in institutions, instill unfounded fears, or exacerbate divisions within society. For instance, political actors might exploit cognitive biases and psychological heuristics to spread conspiracy theories faster than factual information, often utilizing emotional appeals rather than rational discourse.