Antisocial: How Online Extremists Broke America

A New Yorker staff writer, Andrew Marantz, has been embedded with alt-right propagandists and social-media entrepreneurs to explore how the extreme became mainstream and how fringe ideas spread. His book, "Antisocial," tells the story of how the unthinkable became thinkable and then became reality, helping readers understand the world they have created.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 400 pages
\n Publication date: 17 September 2020
\n Publisher: Pan Macmillan
\n

A captivating exploration of online propaganda and its perilous impact on democracy

The Guardian has hailed this book as a profound and insightful examination of the rise of online propaganda and its threat to democratic institutions. In his review, Jon Ronson describes it as a "wonderful record of these haywire times," highlighting its ability to explain how we have found ourselves in the current political and social climate.

This narrative delves into the process by which extreme ideas have gained mainstream acceptance. It uncovers how the truth has been distorted, fringe ideas have spread, and a candidate once considered a joke has been propelled to the presidency through the dark forces of the internet.

Andrew Marantz, a staff writer for The New Yorker, has spent several years immersing himself in the world of alt-right propagandists. Through his extensive research and firsthand encounters, he has gained unparalleled insights into their tactics and strategies for leveraging social media to advance their corrosive agenda.

Marantz also explores the role of social-media entrepreneurs in enabling this phenomenon. He sheds light on their naive and reckless ambition, as they disrupted traditional information systems through their pursuit of viral content and monetization.

In Antisocial, Marantz takes readers on a journey deep into the heart of the alt-right movement. He embeds himself with these propagandists, white supremacists, and nihilist trolls, observing their creative processes and witnessing the success of their online content. Through his interactions, he unravels the mechanisms that drive online radicalization and the psychological factors that contribute to individuals' acceptance of extremist ideologies.

The book is a powerful exploration of how the unthinkable becomes thinkable, and then ultimately becomes reality. By telling the story of the individuals who hijacked the American conversation, Antisocial provides a valuable lens through which we can understand the world they have created. It sheds light on the challenges we face in navigating a society where misinformation, hate speech, and polarization are prevalent.

Through its comprehensive analysis and compelling storytelling, Antisocial offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of online propaganda and its implications for democracy. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of digital media and the urgent need for proactive measures to protect our democratic institutions.

\n Weight: 282g\n
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781509882526\n \n