Misinformation affects us daily from social media to politics and even personal relationships.
Policing social media alone cannot solve the complex problem shaped by partisan politics and
subjective interpretations of truth. In Misbelief social scientist Dan Ariely explores the
behaviour of 'misbelief' that leads people to distrust accepted truths and embrace conspiracy
theories. Misinformation taps into something innate in all of us regardless of political
affiliation. By understanding this psychology we can mitigate its effects. Grounded in
research and Ariely's personal experience as a target of disinformation the book analyses the
psychological drivers behind adopting irrational beliefs. Ariely reveals the emotional
cognitive personality and social elements that drive people towards false information and
mistrust. Despite advanced AI generating convincing fake news Ariely offers hope. Awareness of
the forces fuelling misbelief makes individuals and society more resilient. Combating misbelief
requires empathy not conflict. Recognising misbelief as a human problem allows us to be part
of the solution.
