Savvy: Navigating Fake Companies, Fake Leaders and Fake News in the Post-Trust Era

by Shiv Singh, Rohini Luthra

Fake news is nothing new. Technology has turbo-charged its spread leaving us inundated with misrepresentations, exaggerations, and outright lies. Finding the truth is like searching for a needle in a haystack. We are in a crisis of trust--no longer knowing who or what to believe. 

In the post-trust era, so much is out of our control, and yet there are ways in which we can inoculate ourselves. Savvy is a book about the human glitches that cause us to fall for alternative facts and what we can do to override them. In Savvy, we meet the social scientists who questioned the behavior of Nazi war criminals, Ivy League football fans, John F. Kennedy and more to better understand why human beings often suspend critical judgement and readily fall for fakeness. We also meet current CEOs, politicians, media moguls and artificial intelligence engines to examine why we put our trust in people, organizations and information that is biased (or blatantly deceptive) while doubting credible sources. 

Through examples from today's political and business headlines, Savvy guides you out of the post-trust era and includes science and analysis that makes you more informed and savvy in the business world and your personal life.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2019

Reviews

[Shiv Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book!

[Christine Einsel Haba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book on a whim while browsing my local college library. I was interested in what it had to offer, albeit a little nervous that it would still come off as too simplistic or obvious regarding the polarity we face globally. I can honestly say that I'm thoroughly impressed with this read. Well-organized and backed by various studies, research, etc., not only was it interesting to read, but more eye opening by at least ten-fold.

Will this information be something I can excitedly share with friends and colleagues? Not as much as I'd like to. As the book has referenced multiple times, real truth demands self-reflection, not everyone is ready to hear the reality of the post-truth era; not everyone is ready to be wrong. Will this book help me navigate social media, politics, and my life in general with a little more peace in knowing what is truth or fake? For a while. Singh has illuminated much of the turmoil that comes with truth and just how many sociological factors can alter or sway our morals and values. Unfortunately, there is no easy road when it comes to the rules and tips outlined in this book. There are sacrifices on both sides - through ignorance or through knowledge - that we must make in either to live a life of complacency or live one of honesty and transparency - especially to ourselves.

Overall, I'm glad I picked up this book and definitely have it on my to-buy list. Covering topics from psychology to the impending takeover of AI, it encompasses all of the information we take meaning from daily and perhaps causes us to be more proactive in our quests of informational literacy.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy is an enjoyable read and these days a must to understand the psychosis that is dividing America. The book provides very insightful explanations for common human behavior and I love the references to research and experiments along with their fundamental conclusions. But why stop there, the book goes on to provide real life examples (I especially love the behind the scenes look at competitive behaviors from the big cola companies). In short, this book provides a good balance of yin and yang between research and storytelling, not common in a business book these days. Can't wait to read their follow up...

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant insights into todays challenges with truth telling. WHat is real and what is fake? Who is fake? A provocative window into psychology and business - that is really well researched and sourced with political, religious, historical insights - it really should be a must read for any leader and marketer but in particular the marketer who leans into how to build and manage social media platforms, communications.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some helpful tools and reminders for discerning fact and building trust within organizations. The examples and stories were the best part - many were familiar to me, but I found some new ones too.