Web of Lies: How to tell fact from fiction in an online world

by Aoife Gallagher

Web of Lies is a fascinating and far-reaching examination of the rising threat of far-right extremist thought in Ireland and internationally, and looks at how these movements utilize the online world to spread disinformation, polarizing society in the process. From the Illuminati to the Red Scare, Save the Children to QAnon, research analyst Aoife Gallagher shows that there are many pathways to radicalization - most of them benign and unassuming - and demonstrates that we are all susceptible to conspiratorial thinking and at risk of falling down the rabbit hole.

In an accessible and entertaining style, Web of Lies presents a history of conspiracy theories and their roots in anti-Semitism, xenophobia and white supremacy; the role social media plays in spreading these theories; how they can proliferate during times of crises; and what we can do to protect ourselves and others from falling victim to these messages.

Genres: Nonfiction

353 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2023

Reviews

[Domhnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

There's always an Irish man involved somehow (derogatory)

A solid book that gives an overview of conspiracies throughout time and the social and political events that makes people susceptible to believing in them.

Was depressing to read just how many conspiracies had an Irish component and made me realise we are not immune to these kinda things on our shores either.

I'm also more aware of the role the internet plays in propagating these lies and how the algorithms of social media incentivises engagement over quality which is rife when conspiracies are posted to the detriment of the user experience.

Thought it slightly lacking in the amount of references per chapter however.

[Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of info, facts, and details.
Eyeopener and very informative.
Enjoyed reading.

[Cathal Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Peter Thew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A very timely exposé of the dark corners of the internet where deniers of a variety of persuasions lurk. If like me, you thought that QAnon and its allies only affected the USA, this is the book for you. Whilst they don't achieve the same high profile in Ireland, the anti-vaccers, covid deniers, climate change deniers and other anti-establishment groups are well established here at home although without the high profile they experience in America. This is an important book that should be widely read.