Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories: An Infodemiologist's Guide to the Truth

by Pauline W. Hoffmann

What’s the truth and what’s a lie? What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation? How can I tell the difference? Looking to weaponize information, talking heads and other so-called experts use disinformation and conspiracy theories to prey on our fears and emotions. Why? It can be to get us to act and behave in a certain way. It may be done for some gain like money, power, or even an election. There is so much being done to create and craft messages to counter disinformation but not as much to explain the infodemic itself. Not much to explain science, health and other topics to those unfamiliar with it. To be fair, it can be difficult to explain one’s field or passion because we are immersed in it and know it well. We don’t always know what others don’t know. What seems obvious may not be. That’s where this book comes in. Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories is truth-telling through research and education to help you survive the infodemic.

200 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Infodemiologist, Pauline W. Hoffmann Ph.D., is a scholar practitioner molding the minds of her students and practicing what she preaches. She has a LinkedIn newsletter and upcoming podcast titled WTF? (What the Facts?) which delves into all things infodemic.

She received her doctorate and master’s degrees in communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from St. Bonaventure University. Additionally, she completed the World Health Organization Infodemic Manager Training Program.

She is dedicated to truth-telling through research and education.

Curiosity required.