Fake news and associated concepts such as misinformation and disinformation are not new phenomena. The use of deception and psychological manipulation to influence a target's behavior are evident throughout human history. What has changed within recent years is the reach that fake news can have, and how quickly it can spread in society. This is, in part, due to the increasing pervasiveness of digital devices and internet connectivity. Additionally, cognitive biases can promote the spread of many potentially fake news items through social media.

The De Gruyter Handbook o f Fake News, Misinformation, and Disinformation provides a much-needed holistic overview of the psychology of fake news, set within the context of the geopolitical and socio-technical systems that shape cognitions and behavior, and encompassing all the elements and actors that are involved in the fake news ecosystem. With contributions from leading experts in the field, this volume is a must-have resource for educators, researchers, students, and policy makers.

Autorentext

John McAlaney is a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Professor of Psychology at Bournemouth University, where he conducts research on psychological aspects of socio-technical systems.