Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland

(Hardback, Main)

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Description

Have you heard that Bill Gates is running a secret genocidal plot That the war in Ukraine isn't real Or that people are paid to act out some of the worst attacks imaginable

In Among the Trolls, BBC reporter Marianna Spring meets the most committed conspiracy theorists - and their victims. Far from a few lone wolves, she uncovers a staggering network of true believers, trolls and conspiracy influencers engaged in an international information war. She takes on the social media companies and their algorithms, exposing the harm they can cause from witnessing it up close.

Based on first-hand interviews and original reporting, this eye-opening and unforgettable book reveals the very real consequences of disinformation, hate and online polarisation, and the risks that come with investigating it.

Reviews

This book is full of unbelievable nonsense. I am very grateful to Marianna Spring for her admirable attempts to defend us against it * Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye *
A tour de force... Something has gone very badly wrong with social media - Marianna Spring wades into the cesspit on our behalf * Jeremy Vine *
Brave and brilliant... Marianna Spring lowers a bucket into the well of online misinformation and bile, and pulls up clarity and understanding * Fiona Bruce *
An essential exploration into the heart of conspiracyland, Marianna Spring's journey sheds light on the shadowy world of disinformation and the powerful role of social media in shaping our beliefs. With gripping narratives and heart-wrenching personal stories, this book is a crucial read for understanding the intricate web of misinformation that influences our modern world. * Eliot Higgins, author of the Sunday Times bestseller We Are Bellingcat *
Marianna has brought to light astonishing narratives... She reminds us how seriously we must now take fake news and the spread of false lies, and the very real havoc it can wreak * Emily Maitlis *

Author Bio

Marianna Spring is the BBC's first disinformation and social media correspondent and an award-winning journalist. She presents podcasts and documentaries investigating disinformation and social media for BBC Radio 4 podcasts, as well as for BBC Panorama and BBC Three. She is also one of the presenters of the BBC's Americast podcast. In 2022, she was named the British Press Guild's Audio Presenter of the year and Royal Television Society Innovation winner.