One of the world’s top experts on fighting misinformation reveals the psychology behind its power—and how we can protect ourselves. From fake news to conspiracy theories, from pandemics to politics, misinformation may be the defining problem of our era. Like a virus, misinformation infects our minds—altering our beliefs and replicating at astonishing rates. Once the virus takes hold, our primary strategies of fact-checking and debunking are an ineffective cure. In Foolproof, psychologist Sander van der Linden introduces a new paradigm for combatting what the World Health Organization has declared a worldwide “infodemic.” Synthesizing decades of social psychology studies with groundbreaking original research, he explains why our brains are so susceptible to misinformation, how it spreads across social networks, and how we can cultivate immunity. The answer is the innovative science of “prebunking”—inoculating people against misinformation by preemptively exposing them to a weakened dose and teaching them to identify and fend off its manipulative tactics. With engaging case studies and practical strategies for institutions and individuals alike, Foolproof is the definitive book on resisting nefarious persuasion. Reviews: For quite a while, we’ve needed, in one handy place, high-quality straight information about the low-quality crooked information inundating our lives. In the nick of time, this book provides that straight information about the origins, workings, and consequences of misinformation/disinformation-infused messaging. It does so with engaging stories, research-grounded conclusions, and helpful procedures for defending ourselves. I am so glad we now have this book. There’s nothing else like it.—Robert B. Cialdini, New York Times best-selling author of Influence and Pre-Suasion Mis- and disinformation have caused a worldwide infodemic, potentially crumbling democracies and eroding our fundamental trust in one another. This outstanding and easy-to-read summary of the science, offered by the foremost scientific authority on the subject, is essential reading for us all, explaining precisely why misinformation is so powerful, and how we help others to be less susceptible to it. If you have been wondering why it seems half the world has gone mad, this book will provide you with compelling answers and offer realistic solutions.—Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer of the American Psychological Association (APA) A fascinating, in-depth investigation into the complex landscape of misinformation from someone who has spent his career trying to combat fake news. You will never look at your social media feeds in the same way again.—Angela Saini, author of Superior Sander van der Linden is one of the world’s leading experts on combating misinformation, and Foolproof is the ultimate handbook for navigating—and fighting back against—the tsunami that threatens to drown us in bullshit. Whether you’re facing a sketchy Internet rumor or listening to your uncle spin another conspiracy, this book will give you the best strategies for building immunity against fake news, propaganda, and conspiracy theories. —Jay Van Bavel, author of The Power of Us Bringing the psychology of misinformation to life, Foolproof reminds us why our brains have always been hardwired to make us susceptible to harmful information—and, just as you might be giving up hope, outlines exciting techniques for protecting ourselves and those we care about. One of the smartest and, ultimately, most optimistic books on the subject I’ve read. —Claire Wardle, director of the Information Futures Lab, Brown University About the Author: Sander van der Linden is professor of social psychology in society at the University of Cambridge and advises governments and social media companies on fighting misinformation. His award-winning research has been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and elsewhere. He lives in Cambridge, UK. |