Managing misinformation and conflicting information A framework for understanding misinformation and rumor

Understanding the spread of misinformation and rumor and how to combat false information online has become an increasingly important area for research and practice in an evolving digital communication-based world. To provide a framework for understanding, this chapter first defines misinformation and rumor, as situated in scholarly literature and in practice-based communication, followed by characteristics affecting spread and challenges for countering misinformation and rumor in crisis. Next, this chapter provides recommendations for organizations dealing with misinformation and rumor in practice. Future directions for both crisis communication research and practice are then provided.