Book contents
- The Psychology of Misinformation
- Contemporary Social Issues
- The Psychology of Misinformation
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Acknowledgments
- Prologue
- Part I Setting the Stage
- 1 Defining Misinformation
- 2 A History of Misinformation
- 3 Do We Have a Misinformation Problem?
- Part II Misinformation Belief and Spread
- Part III Countering Misinformation
- References
- Index
2 - A History of Misinformation
from Part I - Setting the Stage
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2024
- The Psychology of Misinformation
- Contemporary Social Issues
- The Psychology of Misinformation
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Acknowledgments
- Prologue
- Part I Setting the Stage
- 1 Defining Misinformation
- 2 A History of Misinformation
- 3 Do We Have a Misinformation Problem?
- Part II Misinformation Belief and Spread
- Part III Countering Misinformation
- References
- Index
Summary
Misinformation has only recently seen a surge in research interest and public attention, but the concept itself is much older. Not only have humans manipulated and lied to each other since the dawn of language, but animals are also known to use manipulation to achieve certain goals. This chapter provides a historical overview of misinformation. It first looks at some of its possible evolutionary origins, before tracing how false information has been used as a tool of persuasion throughout history, and discussing the role of technological innovations such as the printing press and mass communications. Finally, we look at the recent advent of the internet era, and what role misinformation plays in society today.
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- The Psychology of Misinformation , pp. 22 - 34Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2024