Library:On Disinformation
| On Disinformation | |
|---|---|
| Author | Lee McIntyre |
| First published | 2023 |
| ISBN | 978-0-262-37559-7 unverified |
| Role | Analysis |
| Domains | Politics & Elections Technology & Media |
| Tactics | Propaganda Technique Fabrication |
On Disinformation is a 2023 book by Lee McIntyre.
Summary
Lee McIntyre, a philosopher of science at Boston University, wrote this short book as a practical guide to fighting disinformation. Its subtitle is How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy.
Disinformation as strategy
McIntyre distinguishes disinformation, deliberate falsehood spread to achieve a goal, from misinformation spread by mistake. He argues that disinformation campaigns follow a recognizable pattern, with creators who produce lies, amplifiers who spread them and believers who accept them.
Lessons from science denial
Drawing on his earlier work on science denial, McIntyre compares political disinformation to the tobacco industry's strategy of manufacturing doubt. He argues that the aim of disinformation is often not to persuade people of a particular falsehood but to undermine trust in facts and institutions.
What to do
McIntyre recommends that citizens, journalists and governments name disinformation as a deliberate tactic, avoid amplifying it unintentionally, and support institutions that protect factual reporting. He also discusses the role of social media companies.
Relevance to Bullshitopedia
The book offers a concise framework for understanding deliberate deception campaigns, complementing McIntyre's work on post-truth already in the Library.
Related entries
- The 2020 presidential election was stolen
- Exxon did not know fossil fuels would cause global warming
- Library:Merchants of Doubt