Web of Deceit: Misinformation and Manipulation in the Age of Social Media

by Anne P. Mintz (Editor), Amber Benham (Contribution by), Eli Edwards (Contribution by), Ben Fractenberg (Contribution by), Laura Gordon-Murnane (Contribution by)

Overview

For all its amazing benefits, the worldwide social media phenomenon—epitomized by such sites as Facebook, Myspace, eBay, Twitter, and craigslist—has provided manipulative people and organizations with the tools (and human targets) that allow hoaxes and con games to be perpetrated on a vast scale.

In this eye-opening follow-up to her popular 2002 book, Web of Deception, Anne P. Mintz brings together a team of expert researchers, journalists, and subject experts to explain how misinformation is intentionally spread and to illuminate the dangers in a range of critical areas.

Web of Deceit is a must-read for any internet user who wants to avoid being victimized by liars, thieves, and propagandists in the age of ubiquitous social media.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780910965910
Publisher:	Information Today, Inc.
Publication date:	02/01/2012
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Anne P. Mintz formerly worked for several decades as director of information centers in the fields of media and investment banking. She is the author of Web of Deception. She lives in New York City.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction If It's on the Internet, It Must Be True Anne P. Mintz ix

Chapter 1 Social Media and Intentional Misinformation Meg Smith 1

Chapter 2 They Know Where You Live: Guarding Your Privacy and Identity Cynthia Hetherington 21

Chapter 3 Demonizing the "Other" Eli Edwards 41

Chapter 4 Ebuyer Beware Ben Fractenberg 57

Chapter 5 Information Warfare and Cybersecurity Deborah A. Liptak 81

Chapter 6 The Intentional Misleading of the American Public: Political Misinformation Laura Gordon-Murnane 107

Chapter 7 Charity Scams Craig Thompson 133

Concluding Thoughts Anne P. Mintz 149

Appendix A Evaluating Websites Amber Benham 153

Appendix B The Technologies of Deceit: An Annotated Glossary Deborah A. Liptak 163

About The Contributors 183

Index 187

Editorial Reviews

"Anne Mintz has once again assembled some savvy writers who have a lot to teach us about being safe on the web. The dangers of social media command our attention now more than ever, and this book is a must-read for anyone who socializes, shops, or interacts online. In other words, all of us!" —Ari L. Goldman, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

"Anne Mintz and her contributors approach intentional misinformation thoughtfully, knowledgeably, and with a refreshing lack of hysteria. The book sparkles with insight, expertise, wit, and dramatic—if appalling—examples of deception on the Net." —Reva Basch, executive editor, Super Searchers book series, on Web of Deception

"[N]ot merely essential for our cyber age, but quintessential." —Christopher Buckley, author, Thank You For Smoking, on Web of Deception

"The subject of misinformation is of growing importance and Anne Mintz's new book uses timely examples to make information abuse come alive. Anyone interested in understanding the challenges 'big data' present to researchers will find Ms. Mintz’s guidance valuable."—Stephen E. Arnold, ArnoldIT.com



"A fascinating and disturbing series of essays about the abuses of social media—a topic that could not be more timely."—Peter Beinart, associate professor of journalism and political science, CUNY

From the Publisher