Why We Believe Disinformation

This new book addresses disinformation and proposes a strategic communication approach, which the authors argue is an effective way to eliminate disinformation narratives.

The book uses both theoretical interpretations and concrete examples of these two phenomena. The authors use contemporary examples from the United Kingdom, the USA, Central and Eastern Europe, and the wider global world. The authors draw together their varied experiences and backgrounds in corporate marketing and communications, state security administration, and academic research.

The book's first part deals with the role of disinformation in modern society, and examines disinformation throughout history. It reflects on the impact of modern technologies on the changing nature of disinformation, primarily in the speed and method of dissemination. The second section examines why we are losing the fight against disinformation. Disinformation is not rational; it utilises cognitive biases, the mental shortcuts that help us, and misleads us in our everyday lives. To reduce the impact of disinformation narratives, we need to understand better how people decide and use cognitive biases to reduce the impact of disinformation.

The third part is devoted to strategic communication, which
the authors present as an effective tool to fight disinformation. This part analyses individual communication channels and how we can use them as part of strategic communication. It guides the creation of the most effective media mix to support strategic intent.