Breaking Down the Language of Misinformation
By M. Nuri Shakoor, SRMP-C member of the International NGO Safety and Security Association and the U.S. GFA Coalition
Hello everyone,
We at ARAC would like to take a minute to introduce you to two reports I recently wrote as part of The Digital Navigator Series, a core initiative of the PeaceKeeper Insight media literacy project. If you've ever found yourself wondering why misinformation spreads like wildfire or why some people cling so tightly to their beliefs despite clear evidence to the contrary, these reports are for you.
Two Reports, One Mission
Both of these reports—The Language of Deception: How Words Shape Our Reality and How Misinformation and Dogmatism are Rooted in Linguistic Constructs—explore how language shapes perception, fuels misinformation, and reinforces rigid thinking. But while they share common themes, they tackle the issue from different angles.
The Language of Deception zeroes in on the mechanics of language—how framing, metaphors, and loaded terms influence public perception. Ever wondered why politicians say "collateral damage" instead of "civilian casualties"? Or why estate taxes get rebranded as the "death tax"? These aren’t just word games; they are deliberate ways of shaping public opinion. This report is all about recognizing those tactics so you don’t get played.
How Misinformation and Dogmatism are Rooted in Linguistic Constructs, on the other hand, goes deeper into the why—not just how misinformation spreads, but why our brains are wired to believe it. Spoiler alert: Neuroscience plays a huge role. Our amygdala (the emotional center of the brain) reacts faster than the prefrontal cortex (our logical reasoning center), meaning we tend to react to emotionally charged misinformation before we even think about whether it’s true. And once we internalize a belief, confirmation bias kicks in, making us double down even when faced with clear evidence to the contrary.
Where They Overlap
Both reports touch on key ideas that are crucial for anyone trying to navigate today's media landscape:
✔ Language as a Tool of Manipulation – Words don’t just describe reality; they shape it. Framing and word choice can make the same set of facts seem wildly different depending on how they’re presented.
✔ The Emotional Power of Misinformation – Misinformation sticks because it appeals to emotions—fear, outrage, tribal identity. This emotional grip is what makes it so hard to correct, even with facts.
✔ Cognitive Biases & Echo Chambers – Social media algorithms amplify our biases, trapping us in bubbles where we only see content that reinforces what we already believe. And let’s be honest, we all fall for it sometimes.
✔ Metaphors Shape Policy – Studies show that how we metaphorically describe a problem (e.g., crime as a "beast" vs. a "virus") affects the solutions we support. Think about how phrases like the “War on Drugs” frame the issue—when we call it a war, we instinctively lean toward punishment rather than prevention.
Where They Differ
💡 If you're interested in the power of words and political messaging, check out The Language of Deception. It breaks down the strategies used to influence public perception and offers practical ways to counter linguistic manipulation.
🧠 If you want to understand why misinformation is so resistant to correction, How Misinformation and Dogmatism are Rooted in Linguistic Constructs is the one to read. This report digs into the neuroscience of belief, showing how cognitive biases and brain chemistry lock us into certain worldviews.
Why This Matters
We live in a world where information comes at us non-stop. But with so much noise, being informed isn’t just about knowing the facts—it’s about understanding how information is presented and why we believe what we do. Media literacy isn’t just a skill; it’s a defense mechanism against manipulation.
If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to check out both reports. They’re designed to be accessible, practical, and full of eye-opening insights. Let’s get smarter about how we consume (and challenge) information.
🔗 The Language of Deception: How Words Shape Our Reality – Read Here
🔗 How Misinformation and Dogmatism are Rooted in Linguistic Constructs – Read Here
Let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever caught yourself being swayed by framing or emotional manipulation? Let’s talk about it.
— M. Nuri Shakoor
