Foolproof

By Sander van der Linden,

Book cover of Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects Our Minds and How to Build Immunity

Book description

From fake news to conspiracy theories, from inflammatory memes to misleading headlines, misinformation has swiftly become the defining problem of our era. The crisis threatens the integrity of our democracies, our ability to cultivate trusting relationships, even our physical and psychological well-being-yet most attempts to combat it have proven insufficient.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Foolproof as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories influence our minds, polarize societies and decrease trust.

The topic of this book is obviously very timely and highly relevant. In particular on social media, online conspiracies and misinformation spread like wildfire.

Foolproof explains the origins and mechanisms of misinformation in a clear manner and provides concrete strategies to overcome it. I think the ‘virus’-metaphor works well (“misinformation infects our minds”), and the book constitute a pretty good vaccine.

All in all, a well-written examination on how and why our brains entertain misinformation.   

Want books like Foolproof?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 58 books like Foolproof.

Browse books like Foolproof

Book cover of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Book cover of Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
Book cover of Rationality for Mortals: How People Cope with Uncertainty

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,355

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in fake news, conspiracy theories, and presidential biography?

Fake News 17 books