A systematic literature review on disinformation: Toward a unified taxonomical framework

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.