New Books in Sociology Matthew Facciani, "Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do about It" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Aug 14, 2025
Matthew Facciani, a researcher at the University of Notre Dame and author of "Misguided," dives into the fascinating realm of misinformation. He reveals how social dynamics—like personal identities and ties—shape our susceptibility to false beliefs. Facciani discusses the psychological and sociological factors that influence how misinformation spreads, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical strategies for combating misinformation and fostering productive conversations emerge as crucial tools in rebuilding trust and understanding amidst today's polarized landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Beliefs Are Socially Rooted
- Matthew Facciani links misinformation susceptibility to social identities and how they shape belief formation.
- He emphasizes interdisciplinary research combining neuroscience, psychology, and sociology to study these processes.
Clear Definitions Matter
- Facciani defines misinformation broadly and distinguishes it from disinformation and propaganda by intent.
- He focuses on psychological biases that make people interpret the same information differently.
Identity Trumps Neutral Reasoning
- Strong group identities motivate people to interpret facts in ways that protect those identities.
- Protecting identity can outweigh objective evaluation and increase false belief adoption.
