Misinformation and Society: New Research from the Center for Information Integrity

In a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on false information, University at Buffalo associate professor Yotam Ophir has published a comprehensive new examination of misinformation’s role in society. His book, “Misinformation and Society,” released by Wiley, offers readers a thorough exploration of how false information has evolved and affected human communication throughout history.

Ophir’s work challenges the common assumption that misinformation is primarily a modern problem born from digital technologies. Instead, he traces how false information has been woven into the fabric of human communication for centuries, long before the internet transformed how we share and consume information.

“People often think misinformation is something new that came with the internet, but it’s been with us forever,” Ophir explained in a recent interview. “What’s changed are the mechanisms of spread and perhaps the speed at which false information can travel.”

The book meticulously examines how shifting political landscapes have influenced the creation and dissemination of misinformation. Ophir pays particular attention to technological developments, including the explosive growth of social media platforms and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in both creating and potentially combating false information.

One of the book’s most compelling sections delves into the psychological underpinnings of misinformation’s effectiveness. Ophir draws on research from cognitive psychology and neuroscience to explain why humans are inherently susceptible to believing false claims, especially those that align with pre-existing beliefs or trigger emotional responses.

“Our brains didn’t evolve to process the volume of information we’re bombarded with today,” Ophir notes. “We rely on mental shortcuts that can make us vulnerable to misinformation, particularly when it’s designed to exploit these shortcuts.”

Beyond diagnosing the problem, the communication scholar offers evidence-based approaches to addressing misinformation. His recommendations span individual media literacy skills, institutional reforms, and technological solutions. However, Ophir emphasizes that effective countermeasures require first addressing a fundamental question: who bears responsibility for combating misinformation?

“Is it governments? Tech platforms? Media organizations? Individual citizens? Until we reach some societal consensus about where responsibility lies, our efforts will remain fragmented and less effective,” Ophir argues.

The book comes at a time when concerns about misinformation continue to dominate public discourse. Ophir’s expertise has increasingly been sought by mainstream media outlets, including a recent quote in The Washington Post regarding former President Trump’s pledge to dismantle what he terms the “deep state” – an example of how politically charged narratives can shape public perception.

Communication scholars have praised Ophir’s balanced approach to a topic often clouded by partisan perspectives. Dr. Jennifer Stromer-Galley, professor at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, called the book “a remarkably clear-eyed examination of misinformation that avoids both alarmism and complacency.”

The publication arrives as governments worldwide grapple with regulatory approaches to misinformation, social media companies face increasing pressure to moderate content, and artificial intelligence raises new questions about the future landscape of truth and falsehood in public discourse.

Ophir’s growing visibility in both academic circles and public discussion highlights the timeliness of his research. As society continues to navigate complex information environments, his work provides a framework for understanding not just how misinformation operates, but how various stakeholders might more effectively address it.

“Misinformation and Society” is now available through major booksellers and directly from Wiley Publishing.