Web of Lies: The Lure and Danger of Conspiracy Theories by Aoife Gallagher
Synopsis
Web of Lies is a fascinating and far-reaching examination of the rising threat of far-right extremist thought in Ireland and internationally, and looks at how these movements utilise the online world to spread disinformation, polarising society in the process. From the Illuminati to the Red Scare, Save the Children to QAnon, research analyst Aoife Gallagher shows that there are many pathways to radicalisation – most of them benign and unassuming – and demonstrates that we are all susceptible to conspiratorial thinking and at risk of falling down the rabbit hole.
In an accessible and entertaining style, Web of Lies presents a history of conspiracy theories and their roots in anti-Semitism, xenophobia and white supremacy; the role social media plays in spreading these theories; how they can proliferate during times of crises; and what we can do to protect ourselves and others from falling victim to these messages.
About the Author
Aoife Gallagher is an analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a non-profit think tank working to push back against the rising tide of disinformation, extremism and polarisation. Previously she worked as a journalist at the online news agency Storyful.