Viral Misinformation Spread explores the pervasive issue of fake news in the digital age, examining its origins, spread, and impact on society. The book navigates the complex landscape of misinformation, highlighting intriguing facts such as the role of cognitive biases and emotional reasoning in making individuals susceptible to false information. It also examines the evolution of propaganda tactics from the 20th century to the present day, revealing how these strategies have adapted to the online environment. The text underscores the erosion of public trust and the potential for manipulation of opinions due to viral misinformation, which can have tangible effects on elections, public health, and social stability.
This book uniquely emphasizes collaborative solutions, rather than simply critiquing the problem. It explores the responses of online platforms, the challenges of content moderation, and the importance of fact-checking initiatives. It also considers the role of media literacy education in empowering individuals to critically evaluate information.
The book unfolds in three parts: defining misinformation, analyzing platform responses, and examining fact-checking efforts, offering a comprehensive understanding of the misinformation ecosystem.
