"Misinformation Nation" challenges conventional views of the American Revolution by highlighting the significant role foreign news and misinformation played in driving colonists to revolt against Britain. Author Jordan E. Taylor argues that unreliable and often false information from foreign newspapers shaped American perceptions and fueled protests, boycotts, and the creation of new political structures. The book explores how differing realities created divisions between Loyalists and Patriots, influencing the course of the revolution and the formation of a new nation. It suggests parallels between historical misinformation and contemporary issues of truth, making it relevant to understanding modern political challenges.
This book brings together experts across psychology and related fields to explore the pervasive issue of fake news, which has intensified since major events like the Brexit referendum and the 2016 US election. It examines why people accept and share misinformation and discusses strategies to counteract its influence in politics, health communication, journalism, education, and science. The volume emphasizes the impact of online social networks on information dissemination and consumption, offering empirical findings, theories, and practical interventions to navigate the era of "alternative facts." It serves as essential reading for students, academics, policymakers, journalists, and anyone interested in understanding and combating misinformation.
"The Paradox of Democracy" explores how freedom of speech, essential to democracy, also poses significant challenges to its stability. Authors Zac Gershberg and Sean Illing trace the history of communication disruptions and their impact on political culture, from ancient rhetoric to contemporary digital media. They argue that while new communication technologies have enhanced democratic practices, they have also heightened susceptibility to demagoguery, distraction, and misinformation. The book provides a critical analysis of media's role in shaping political discourse and emphasizes the ongoing tension between democratic ideals and the disruptive forces of modern communication.