Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do about It

Misguided

Hardcover
$160.00
$160.00
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Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do about It
  • Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do about It
  • Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do about It
Misguided

Misguided

$160.00
$160.00
$160.00 each
Binding

Winner, 2025 Choice Outstanding Academic Title

Silver Winner, 2026 Nautilus Book Award in Psychology, Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Why are people inclined to believe misinformation? This wide-ranging and comprehensive book shines a light on how false beliefs take root and spread, exploring the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that make us all susceptible to misinformation.

Challenging approaches that focus solely on education and media literacy, Matthew Facciani emphasizes the important role identities and social ties have in the complex interplay of forces that lead people to believe things that are not true. Susceptibility to misinformation is largely shaped by social dynamics. The pressure to affirm one's personal and group identities can leave individuals vulnerable to false beliefs. Facciani examines both offline and online connections, highlighting how social media, news media, and personal networks can promote and amplify false claims. To bring social-scientific findings to life, he shares the stories of people who fell for misinformation, with contemporary examples including the COVID-19 pandemic and antivaccine movement.

Facciani examines the effectiveness of various approaches to combating misinformation, underscoring the importance of understanding the psychological and sociological mechanisms behind its spread. He provides actionable recommendations for reducing the influence of misinformation at all levels, from having productive conversations with friends and family to rebuilding trust in institutions. Distilling the latest research accessibly and featuring compelling case studies, Misguided equips readers with practical strategies to counteract false beliefs.

Book Details

ISBN
9780231205047
Binding
Hardcover
Authors
Matthew Facciani
Publisher
Columbia University Press
Published Date
July 8, 2025
Language
English
Pages
376
Physical Info
1 in H x 9.21 in L x 6.14 in W (1.55 lb)

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