
Misinformation: The Basics
Justin P. McBrayer(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 29. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
290 pages
978-1-041-00612-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book introduces readers to the topic of misinformation. In recent years, many people have become worried about fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and the like. Is this concern justified or a panic over nothing? Misinformation: The Basics provides readers with a short, accessible introduction to the topic and includes chapters answering the following questions:
What is misinformation?
Why is there so much more misinformation nowadays?
Why are we in a misinformation crisis-is it the result of sabotage or market forces?
How is misinformation harmful?
What can we do to solve the misinformation problem?
With a glossary of key terms, suggestions for further reading, and lesson plans for teachers and reading groups, Misinformation: The Basics is an ideal starting point for audiences interested in the study of news and information.
Key Features
Covers a wide range of misinformation, from fake news and disinformation to deepfakes and memes
Offers an interdisciplinary evaluation of misinformation, drawing on work in philosophy, economics, psychology, and media studies
Clearly sets out the role that technology like social media, smartphones, and the internet played in the rise of a digital, interconnected media landscape.
What is misinformation?
Why is there so much more misinformation nowadays?
Why are we in a misinformation crisis-is it the result of sabotage or market forces?
How is misinformation harmful?
What can we do to solve the misinformation problem?
With a glossary of key terms, suggestions for further reading, and lesson plans for teachers and reading groups, Misinformation: The Basics is an ideal starting point for audiences interested in the study of news and information.
Key Features
Covers a wide range of misinformation, from fake news and disinformation to deepfakes and memes
Offers an interdisciplinary evaluation of misinformation, drawing on work in philosophy, economics, psychology, and media studies
Clearly sets out the role that technology like social media, smartphones, and the internet played in the rise of a digital, interconnected media landscape.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Academic, General, and Undergraduate Core
Illustrations
1 s/w Zeichnung, 1 s/w Abbildung
1 Line drawings, black and white; 1 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
321 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-00612-1 (9781041006121)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Justin P. McBrayer
Misinformation: The Basics
Book
approx. 04/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€215.41
Not yet published

Justin P. McBrayer
Misinformation: The Basics
E-Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€25.99
Available for download

Justin P. McBrayer
Misinformation: The Basics
E-Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€25.99
Available for download
Person
Justin P. McBrayer is Professor Emeritus and Director of University Partnerships at Heterodox Academy. He works in social epistemology and ethics and has published Beyond Fake News (2021). He has written for The Dallas News, Denver Post, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, and Philosophy Now.
Content
1. What is misinformation? 2. How did the misinformation crisis happen? 3. Why did the misinformation crisis happen? The sabotage and virus explanations 4. Why did the misinformation crisis happen? The market explanation 5. What's so bad about misinformation? 6. How can we solve the misinformation crisis? Conclusion (TL;DR) Reading group discussion guide and lesson plans Glossary Bibliography Index