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A citizen’s guide to disinformation | The TechTank Podcast

September 3, 2024


  • Disinformation is thriving in today’s polarized political climate and its amplified by the rise of affordable digital technology.
  • Darrell West and Elaine Kamarck’s book, “Lies That Kill: A Citizen’s Guide to Disinformation“, offers practical guidance to help citizens protect themselves from disinformation.
Social media icons logo displayed on a smartphone with disinformation on screen seen in the background, in this photo illustration. On 15 October 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE
Social media icons logo displayed on a smartphone with disinformation. (Photo illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto)

Disinformation thrives in today’s increasingly polarized political climate, both in the United States and around the world. The rapid rise of inexpensive digital technology has made it easier than ever for falsehoods to spread, often fueled by organized networks with questionable motives. As more people turn to online sources for news and information, the prevalence of disinformation raises critical questions across numerous sectors. It is essential for individuals to understand and detect disinformation to protect themselves and their communities. 

Disinformation has recently made headlines for inciting riots in London, disrupting U.S. elections with false images and videos of candidates, and sparking outrage at the Olympics over a dispute regarding an athlete’s gender. These events highlight the urgent need for society to have a guide to help navigate disinformation. Darrell West and Elaine Kamarck address this need in their new book, “Lies That Kill: A Citizen’s Guide to Disinformation.” This book aims to empower citizens to protect themselves from the harmful effects of disinformation. 

On this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by co-authors of “Lies That Kill”, Darrell West, co-host of the TechTank Podcast and senior fellow at Brookings, and Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and founding director of the Center for Effective Public Management. Together, they discuss the impact of disinformation on society and explore solutions presented in the book. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe to the TechTank Podcast on AppleSpotify, or Acast.