Columbia University Press · 2025
Misguided
Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do About It
Misguided explores why misinformation spreads—and why correcting it is often harder than simply presenting the facts. Drawing on research in sociology, psychology, and network science, the book shows how identities, social relationships, and media environments shape the way people encounter, evaluate, and share information. Combining real-world case studies with practical recommendations, Misguided offers an accessible framework for understanding misinformation and what can be done about it.
What readers are saying
Endorsements and praise.
"In this timely and important book, Facciani takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the world of dangerous misinformation and how to best counter it at-scale. If you want to help fight misinformation, read this book!"
Sander van der Linden — author of Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects Our Minds and How to Build Immunity
"Facciani approaches the misinformation problem from a fresh perspective as a social scientist, explaining how our social networks and our political identities work against us to blind us to false claims. Showing how to combat misinformation through education and media literacy, he paves a path toward building resilience to one of society's most urgent threats."
Barbara McQuade — author of Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America
"Why are we so prone to believing misinformation? Matthew Facciani's Misguided explains how our identities, networks, and biases shape what we accept as truth, and gives us strategies to stay sharp in an age of misinformation."
Jay Van Bavel — author of The Power of Us
For educators
Misguided is suitable for courses on misinformation, media literacy, sociology, psychology, communication, public health, and political polarization. The companion media literacy toolkit includes activities and tools that can be used in classroom settings.
Part of the Misguided project
The newsletter, podcast, book, and interactive tools all share the same goal: making the science of misinformation, trust, and human belief more accessible.