Methodological Approaches to the Study of Distorted Information

Abstract

The problem of information distortion worsened in recent years, but it also existed centuries ago. In fact, since its inception, information has been a valuable resource and tool to influence public opinion and, if necessary, represent information in a favourable light. The phenomenon of information distortion is not new and is closely related to the history of human development. However, with the development of forms and tools of communication and as the characteristics of the information environment change, the ways of distortion become more complicated. Besides the increase in number of types and forms of such distortions, the number and variety of approaches to its exploring increases, including the methods of its classification and criteria for differentiating, which fully meets the need to systematize the forms of information distortion in response to ongoing changes. This article attempts to critically analyse the methodological basis of the phenomenon of distorted information and to identify the main directions and methodological approaches to its study.