The Psychology of Misinformation

Through rigorous psychological research, discover a balanced view on why we believe false information and how to prevent deception.

Jon Roozenbeek (Author), Sander van der Linden (Author)

9781009214360, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 4 April 2024

194 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 1.1 cm, 0.25 kg

'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

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH]