From the perspective of knowledge equals power, intentional misinformation, no matter by whom, could be regarded as abuse of power.
More people should educate those knowing less instead of ridiculing their ignorance. (Given the “knowing” really “know”, but that’s another topic.)
Edit: Intentional misinformation meaning posting and spreading “fake news”, willfully publishing or sharing false information through media of any kind, as organization or individual, not merely everyday lyingy which is sth different.
Edit 2: Apparently it’s “misinformation” not “disinformation” sorry.
Thx for asking tho, helped me phrasing my thought more clearly.
My pleasure. I love a good think.
I will say though fake news is older than real news. Most of our history is people making shit up.
It’s still wrong of course but I don’t think it going away in our life time. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try tho. It’s a long slow march to freedom.
Seems like a pessimistic perspective, I’d like to note that public access to information has increased and become easier too. There are a lot of things you can learn if you really try. And also institutions that help you. It’s a two edged sword though, but a lot can be learned merely by studying philosophy, logic principles and the scientific methods in order to decelop a mostly reliable bullshit detector.