Misinformation and Society

A comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing political and scientific misinformation

In our increasingly interconnected world, misinformation spreads faster than ever, influencing public opinion, political outcomes, and personal beliefs. In Misinformation and Society, Yotam Ophir takes an interdisciplinary approach to unravel the complexities of misinformation in its various forms.

Offering invaluable insights into the history, psychology, and social impact of misinformation, this timely book provides you with the tools to critically analyze misinformation’s origins, effects, and solutions. From understanding the cognitive processes that make individuals vulnerable to false information, to exploring the societal impact of viral misinformation, Misinformation and Society delivers deep insights into one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Drawing on research from fields such as communication, political science, and psychology, Ophir presents in-depth case studies of high-profile events such as Brexit and COVID-19, clearly demonstrating how misinformation has shaped public discourse. Through clear and engaging writing, the author presents evidence-based strategies to address misinformation in a variety of specific real-world contexts, such as conspiracy theories, public health disinformation, fabricated political news, and more.

Requiring no previous background in the subject, Misinformation and Society is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students in Media Studies, Political Science, Communication, and Public Health, as well as journalists, educators, policymakers, and general readers interested in media literacy, information integrity, and the challenges posed by misinformation in the Digital Age.

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, misinformation, conspiracy theories and extremism. Ophir has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals, including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, American Journal of Public Health, and Journal of Communication. He is the co-author of the book Democracy amid Crises: Polarization, Pandemic, Protests, & Persuasion. He has been featured in numerous outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC News, NPR, The BBC, and more. In 2024, Ophir was selected as one of Ten Scientists to Watch by Science News magazine.