Web of Lies

There are many ways to fall down the rabbit-hole - and it may be far easier than you realise. Research analyst Aoife Gallagher has spent years investigating the darkest corners of the internet, but what happens when the online world spills into real life? Web of Lies is a fascinating deep dive into the rising threat of conspiratorial thought in Ireland and internationally, and explores how the internet is being used to spread disinformation - polarising society and radicalising people into extremism in the process. With balance and fairness, Gallagher connects the world?s oldest hatreds to current online cultures, showing how conspiratorial thinking can proliferate during times of crisis and how to recognise its most harmful impacts. Web of Lies is an urgent, provocative but ultimately hopeful call to protect ourselves and our loved ones, before it?s too late . . . ... 'Ever wondered how good people get trapped in their worst nightmares? Web of Lies is an unforgettable journey through the upside-down world of conspiratorial thinking. Aoife Gallagher has written the definitive account of how global lies have changed Irish lives, in a book full of personal empathy, unrivalled expertise and captivating storytelling. It shines a light on the real-world harm of our darkest online fantasies and it shows how each of us can fight back.' Mark Little 'At a time of fractious discord in discourse, Gallagher provides a vital context to and education in the strange and alarming world of conspiracy theories. Anyone interested in truth and facts should read this book.' Una Mullally 'Aoife Gallagher can plumb the depths of the internet and come up to the surface to explain what she's found with levity, empathy and humour. Wise without lecturing; sharp but always maintaining compassion for those caught up in misinformation. A fantastic global overview of trends while having one eye on how these things have come to Ireland.' Brianna Parkins

Aoife Gallagher is a research 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.