The Psychology of Misinformation
The Psychology of Misinformation
King Charles III is Dracula's distant cousin. Governments are hiding information about UFOs. COVID-19 came from outer space. These sound like absurd statements, but some are true, and others are misinformation. But what exactly is misinformation? Who believes and spreads things that aren't true, and why? What solutions do we have available, and how well do they work? This book answers all these questions and more. Tackling the science of misinformation from its evolutionary origins to its role in the internet era, this book translates rigorous research on misleading information into a comprehensive and jargon-free explanation. Whether you are a student, researcher, policymaker, or changemaker, you will discover an easy-to-read analysis on human belief in today's world and expert advice on how to prevent deception.
- Identifies the most important lessons learned from the last decade of research, when the topic of misinformation exploded in popularity
- Translates rigorous research on misinformation into a comprehensive and jargon-free overview with humorous examples
- Includes insights from psychology, political science, computer science, and history
- Maps out the history, present, and future of misinformation and how to counter it
Reviews & endorsements
‘Beware! The Psychology of Misinformation is a truth-shattering expedition into the darkest corners of human fallibility. Brace yourself for mind-boggling insights, jaw-dropping experiments, and countless 'aha' moments. Once you see through the smoke and mirrors, you will never fall for a phony conspiracy theory again.’ Jay Van Bavel, New York University
‘One of the most important and comprehensive books on the complex topic of misinformation. The authors reach well beyond the psychology of misinformation, to exploring its history, the dynamics of spread, and strategies to counter it, in this beautifully written and engaging book.’ Heidi J. Larson, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Product details
April 2024Hardback
9781009214407
194 pages
229 × 152 × 13 mm
0.432kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Prologue
- Part I. Setting The Stage:
- 1. Defining misinformation
- 2. A history of misinformation
- 3. Do we have a misinformation problem
- Part II. Misinformation Belief and Spread:
- 4. Why do people believe and share misinformation
- 5. Echo chambers and filter bubbles
- Part III. Countering Misinformation:
- 6. Laws and regulation
- 7. Interventions to combat misinformation
- 8. Reflecting on our own program of research.
