Introduction

As false information spreads more rapidly and widely than ever before, understanding the frameworks that scholars and practitioners use to analyze and address these phenomena is essential for developing effective strategies to combat its spread, protect public trust, and mitigate its societal impacts. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key frameworks developed to understand and address misinformation and disinformation. The report categorizes and compares these frameworks based on specific criteria, such as focus, scope, and methodology. By critically evaluating each framework, this report analyzes their strengths and weaknesses in addressing misinformation and disinformation. Ultimately, the objective is to provide actionable recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation, contributing to a more informed and resilient public discourse.

This report is structured to guide the reader through a comprehensive examination of misinformation and disinformation frameworks, beginning with foundational concepts and progressing through detailed analyses, comparisons, and practical implications. The background section sets the context and outlines the report’s objectives, followed by an overview of misinformation and disinformation, including definitions and societal impact. The core chapters present and categorize various theoretical and methodological frameworks, offering a comparative analysis to highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability. The discussion synthesizes key insights, addressing the broader implications and suggesting future research directions, and concludes with a summary of findings and actionable recommendations for the use and improvements of available frameworks.