In Active Measures, Thomas Rid explores the history and evolution of disinformation, revealing how intelligence agencies have long used deception to manipulate public perception and weaken democracies. From Cold War propaganda to modern cyber warfare, Rid uncovers shocking intelligence operations, including KGB misinformation campaigns, CIA-backed media ventures, and the rise of digital disinformation tactics. Drawing from extensive research and insider interviews, he exposes how disinformation has shaped global events, culminating in the 2016 U.S. election and the role of Russian interference. Active Measures serves as both a historical deep dive and a warning about the future of engineered deception, offering insights on how to recognize and combat disinformation in an increasingly polarized world.

In An Ugly Truth, Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang expose the deep-rooted flaws within Facebook, revealing how its leadership decisions fueled crises involving data misuse, misinformation, and the amplification of hate speech. The book argues that these issues were not accidental missteps but inevitable consequences of a platform designed to maximize engagement, often at the expense of societal harm. Through exclusive reporting and insider accounts, the authors detail how Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg prioritized growth and profits while struggling to contain the fallout of their own technology. Ultimately, An Ugly Truth holds Facebook accountable for its role in shaping a digital landscape dominated by polarization, misinformation, and unchecked power.

In The Chaos Machine, Max Fisher exposes how social media giants like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have fueled polarization and extremism by designing algorithms that exploit human psychology. Through years of investigative reporting, he reveals how these platforms, driven by profit and engagement metrics, have enabled the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and real-world violence. Fisher tracks the global consequences of unchecked digital influence, from distant conflicts to the Capitol Insurrection, highlighting Big Tech’s refusal to take responsibility. Alongside tales of whistleblowers and activists fighting to curb the damage, The Chaos Machine serves as both an urgent warning and a call for reform to mitigate the harmful effects of social media.