Drums: Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation

Fake news is an issue that has become increasingly challenging in the modern age, with the speed of information increasing and older markers of veracity not keeping up. DRUMS: Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation and Smears offers a holistic discussion of the appeal of DRUMS, the ways they are employed, and measures to counter them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2019
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd

Fake news has been a persistent issue, but it has become increasingly challenging in the modern era of rapid information dissemination. With the advent of social media and the internet, false information can spread internationally within seconds, leading to widespread confusion and misinformation. The abundance of photographs, opinions, and hours of video published online makes it difficult for readers to discern between credible and false sources. Traditional markers of veracity, such as respected publications and official sources, have struggled to keep up with the pace of false news, and there has been a lack of commensurate growth in the ability to counter it.

In many cases, established newspapers have been overshadowed by new, visually appealing, and sometimes false sources of information. This has created an opportunity for individuals seeking to destabilize states or push their perspectives to the forefront. Modern disinformation operations can be carried out with minimal resources, such as free Twitter or Facebook accounts or access to platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram.

DRUMS: Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation, and Smears is a comprehensive book that addresses the appeal of DRUMS, the ways in which DRUMS are employed, and measures to counter them. Organized into three sections, the book offers a holistic discussion through the contributions of academic, think-tanker, and policy practitioner contributors from various specializations. The first section explores cognitive predispositions and DRUMS, delving into the factors that make individuals susceptible to false information. The second section examines the employment of DRUMS, including the strategies used by propagandists, misinformation campaigns, and cyber attackers. The third section focuses on countering DRUMS, discussing the importance of fact-checking, media literacy, and public education in combating false news.

Whether you are new to the topic or a subject matter specialist seeking to broaden your knowledge, DRUMS: Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation, and Smears is an invaluable resource. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by fake news and offers practical strategies for navigating the information landscape in a world where truth and accuracy are increasingly elusive.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 160 x 210 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789813274846