Introduction (excerpt)

Setting the Stage:

We live at a moment when a single viral post can incite global outrage, and a cleverly edited video can pass as authentic evidence. The digital revolution, once heralded for its promise to democratize information, now finds itself at the center of a world where facts are contested, and trust is in short supply. Disinformation—deliberately fabricated content designed to mislead—has become a global weapon, eroding what once seemed like a solid bedrock of shared understanding. Amplified by algorithms that prioritize shock value over accuracy, falsehoods spread further and faster than ever, transcending national borders and reshaping societies worldwide. The threat is not abstract; it strikes at the heart of democracy, undermining our ability to engage in informed debate and recognize truth in the face of deceit.

Personal Encounter:

In the lead-up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, I watched as a close friend, initially excited to vote for the nation’s first female president, began to waver. Flooded by social media posts accusing Hillary Clinton of dishonesty—most lacking credible evidence—she gradually lost faith. Over time, carefully planted rumors and biased stories took hold, convincing her that the candidate she once admired was irredeemably flawed. This personal experience illustrated the raw power of disinformation, not only in shaping the public sphere but in distorting personal perceptions.

Available on Amazon - January 1, 2025