Misinformation and Society

A detailed exploration of political and scientific misinformation, offering expert insights into broad issues and specific real-world contexts

Misinformation and Society equips readers with a deep understanding of the history, psychology, and effects of misinformation. Spanning a wide range of disciplines from political science to public health, this comprehensive volume explores why false information spreads while offering practical approaches to mitigating its harmful impacts. With a clear and accessible narrative, author Yotam Ophir provides a well-balanced foundation for understanding the origins, cognitive mechanisms, and societal effects of misinformation in today’s complex media environment.

Organized into five thematic sections, the book addresses how misinformation spreads in both online and offline environments, with special attention to viral content and social media dynamics. Each section builds upon the last, teaching readers to use theory-driven analytical tools to comprehend and combat misinformation effectively. Throughout the text, the author addresses the historical context of misinformation, from the Middle Ages to Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, with discussions of contemporary challenges underscoring the urgency of tackling this pervasive social challenge.

With practical, evidence-based strategies for combating misinformation, including the effectiveness of fact-checking and correction efforts, Misinformation and Society:

• Provides an up-to-date, interdisciplinary analysis of misinformation that incorporates modern research in psychology, history, communication, and other fields
• Presents methodologies for evaluating and comparing interventions for combating misinformation
• Describes the cognitive and psychological mechanisms behind why people believe and spread misinformation
• Features case studies that make theoretical concepts relatable, including an in-depth analysis of the QAnon movement and the politicization of science during COVID-19
• Explores the role of elite and non-elite sources, spreading misinformation in online and offline environments
• Discusses how political and scientific misinformation impact society and individuals alike

Misinformation and Society is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in Communication, Political Science, Media Studies, and Public Health, as well as courses focused on media literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship across the Social Sciences and Humanities. It is also a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and professionals seeking to understand and address misinformation in their respective fields.

Yotam Ophir, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University at Buffalo and a Distinguished Fellow at the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on media effects, political and scientific misinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremism. Ophir has authored more than 50 book chapters and journal articles, in leading publications such as Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, American Journal of Public Health, and Journal of Communication. He is the head of the Media Effects, Misinformation, and Extremism (MEME) lab.