Fake News

by Chris Stokel-Walker

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Martin Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was an impulse buy from Lyme Regis Bookshop which always seem the best books recently. I made a decision a couple of years ago to not watch the news or read a newspaper to protect my mental health. Prior to that I came off social media as I was just bored of the ranting. So i thought I was pretty smart when it can to fake news but this short book really highlights how we all need to be vigilant and question “Is that true?” Some of the stories will make you laugh and shake your head others will make you angry as to why/how people have got taken in and the consequences of that. A definite recommendation.

[Nicolas Malmendier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The topic of fake news is especially relevant right now, and it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of it, particularly in the context of social media and AI. This little book embraces this complex and divisive subject, making it accessible and enjoyable as it explores the various facets of fake news and its evolution over time. Though an in-depth analysis of the topic is not the purpose of the book, it manages to spark important reflections in a broader audience by limiting each idea to a single page.

[Sami Nourji · Rating 2 out of 5]

simplistic introduction to fake news, which might be the whole point of a primer
formatted as a collection of stories/examples thematically separated, with little depth or analysis. i could've written this with some hours of research or by asking chat

kind of a waste of time. will make sure to read experts from now on; would rather critically assess opinionated but deeply informed perspectives rather than pseudo objective (leftist ish) superficial pages.

$17 smh

edit: i know a bunch / am interested in this subject, so i might not be the target audience lol

[Ley-Anne Haigh-Forsyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that everyone who even remotely considers a conspiracy theory to be true read this. For me it was interesting but nothing new or groundbreaking but it’s not the books fault - if you are likely to believe a conspiracy theory you really oughta read it!

[Mina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read but no break-through or surprising insights for me. Fits the purpose though.

[Hailey Reece · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe it’s done less than it set out to do