New Books in Popular Culture Matthew Facciani, "Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do about It" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Aug 14, 2025
Matthew Facciani, author and researcher at the University of Notre Dame, dives into the world of misinformation in his latest work. He uncovers the cognitive and social dynamics that make us susceptible to false beliefs, sharing real-life stories, including those from the COVID-19 pandemic. Facciani challenges traditional approaches to media literacy, highlighting the influence of identity and social ties. He also provides actionable strategies for meaningful dialogue and rebuilding trust amidst today’s polarized landscape, emphasizing communication’s critical role.
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From Neuroscience To A Book Contract
- Matthew Facciani recounts his interdisciplinary path from neuroscience to a sociology PhD and research on health and misinformation.
- He describes writing op-eds on mask behavior and cold-emailing presses that led to a Columbia University Press book contract.
Distinguishing Types Of False Information
- Facciani defines misinformation as an umbrella term for false or misleading information, intentional or not.
- He distinguishes disinformation as purposeful deception and propaganda as agenda-driven falsehoods.
Quantity And Speed Amplify Old Biases
- False information is not new, but digital platforms dramatically increased its volume, speed, and reach.
- The underlying psychological biases are longstanding, while scale and speed are the new differences in 2025.
