In today's digital age, anyone can make and share information, regardless of whether it is correct and trusted or not. This freedom to say what we think, while basic, has also led to lots of made-up stories, changed content, and misleading information being spread around. False or incorrect information is not right, often applied without knowing. In contrast, disinformation involves purposely spreading inaccurate data to trick or change how people think. 

Here are book recommendations from the Pima County Public Library.

This is Not Propaganda by Peter Pomerantsev

How the lies spread in Russia gave us an idea of how people will perceive reality when the truth is no longer shared. This examination of tricking others into believing bogus 'facts' when accurate information is hard to find makes us question everything. From propaganda pushed in faraway lands to closer to home, nothing is what it seems anymore.

The book details how some people twist what is real using ads, mind tricks, bots, and famous people. It shows how the truth and what lets our world stay peaceful and have democracy has become weaker. Peter Pomerantsev  went to cities such as Kyiv and Manila, meeting various individuals, including Twitter users, sellers who trick with words, supporters of bad ideas, and the people who say what is right.

Pomerantsev finds how lies from the Kremlin have come back, different from how his parents hid from the KGB. 'This Is Not Propaganda' mixes reporting facts, the writer's own story, and observations about politics and who we are in a time when what is real seems broken and wrong.

Rationality by Steven Pinker

The book tackles how we think logically about the world but sometimes forget to think carefully about what is real. Steven Pinker talks about how science has let us understand nature, but some people believe things that are not true. He says we use our brains daily, yet we do not always pause to check facts and think hard about our choices.

Making decisions without facts or reason can hurt society. This book discusses how thinking things through with proof is essential for making smart decisions and helping society treat people fairly. Pinker wants us to use our heads right so we know what is up and can build a better world together. 'Rationality' has interesting parts and humor to get us thinking more about thinking well.

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Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart

Navigating vast amounts of information is vital for kids' development. Julie Bogart's 'Raising Critical Thinkers' is not just about learning facts; it is about understanding beliefs and reasons. As the online world floods young minds with unscreened data and views, parents and teachers worry about educating kids to interpret information critically.

Drawing on considerable homeschooling and curriculum creation knowledge, Bogart offers helpful guidance for children of any age. Her method encourages interest, evaluates different perspectives, and cultivates fresh ideas rather than merely repeating what was heard. Through engaging tales and activities, 'Raising Critical Thinkers' gives parents tools to encourage inquisitive learners who approach the world thoughtfully and carefully.

The Internet is Not What You Think It Is by Justin E. H. Smith

In the book 'The Internet Is Not What You Imagine It to Be,' Justin Smith talks about the deep history of the web from its beginnings from ancient times to the present. In this book, Smith uncovers the Internet's unforeseen roots in nature and long-held hopes to revolutionize human life. Smith claims that despite its ability, the Internet's utopian promises have been smashed by the truths of social media, the information economy, and the attention-destroying nature of the modern Internet.

Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics by Yochai Benkler, Robert Faris, and Hal Roberts

This book looks at how media, politics, and disinformation intersect, using data to analyze how different media sources shape public opinion. The authors show how disinformation can manipulate political discussions and impact elections. With a thorough examination, the book offers insights into the changing world of information warfare.

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