This book introduces readers to the topic of misinformation. In recent years, many people have become worried about fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and the like. Is this concern justified or a panic over nothing? Misinformation: The Basics provides readers with a short, accessible introduction to the topic and includes chapters answering the following questions:
- What is misinformation?
- Why is there so much more misinformation nowadays?
- Why are we in a misinformation crisis—is it the result of sabotage or market forces?
- How is misinformation harmful?
- What can we do to solve the misinformation problem?
With a glossary of key terms, suggestions for further reading, and lesson plans for teachers and reading groups, Misinformation: The Basics is an ideal starting point for audiences interested in the study of news and information.
Key Features
- Covers a wide range of misinformation, from fake news and disinformation to deepfakes and memes
- Offers an interdisciplinary evaluation of misinformation, drawing on work in philosophy, economics, psychology, and media studies
- Clearly sets out the role that technology like social media, smartphones, and the internet played in the rise of a digital, interconnected media landscape.