Pauline W. Hoffmann, Ph.D.
Infodemiologist
Truthtelling through communication, cultivation and conciliation.
What People are Saying...
"Pauline W. Hoffmann has a background in science, public relations and media studies. In "Fake News, Witch Hunts & Conspiracy Theories: An Infodemiologist's Guide to the Truth," she scrutinizes the decline of truthfulness and trust in both public and private discourse. Weaving in the history of the Revolutionary War-era backlash against early smallpox vaccinations, the use of fluoride in water, and the origin of the term "snake oil" salesman, Hoffmann seeks to arm responsible citizens with the knowledge and tools to detect and reject falsehoods. Misinformation and disinformation "play on our fears," she writes, "They reinforce our already held beliefs.""
Louis Jacobson, senior correspondent with the fact-checking site PolitiFact
Once upon a time, it was easy to tell the difference between the truth and a lie, but those days are now a thing of the past. Today, we are bombarded by disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories – much of it coming from carefully crafted messages with ulterior motives. How do we separate truth from fiction? Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories is a good place to start. Through research, data and a unique sense of humor, Dr. Pauline Hoffmann provides a roadmap to finding the truth amid all the clutter of today’s information world.
Dr. Richard Lee, Executive Director, Jandoli Institute
Dr. Hoffmann does a great job of explaining various motives and reasons for why all of us are prone to misinformation. She also provides tips for when we are most susceptible to misinformation, and offers excellent remedies to protect ourselves from making these mistakes – this an excellently written and must-read book!
Dr. Benjamin Gross, Associate Professor & Department Chair - Sociology & Criminology
"Fake News, Witch Hunts & Conspiracy Theories" by Dr. Pauline Hoffmann is more than just an exposé of deceit—it's a call to action. Empowering readers with the knowledge and tools they need to become savvy consumers of information, the book provides practical strategies for verifying sources, evaluating credibility, and challenging misleading narratives. This meticulously researched and thought-provoking book delves deep into the murky waters of disinformation and fake news, offering readers invaluable insights and practical strategies for discerning fact from fiction in an increasingly deceptive digital landscape.
Pamela Ferman, COO, Healis Health