ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of the expanding field of research dedicated to understanding post-truth, fake news, and associated phenomena. Starting with a brief introduction to historical concerns around propaganda and manipulation, the chapter first showcases how recent research often echoes concerns from the early 20th century. It then highlights how contemporary research follows a historic trend of trying to find an “untainted” vocabulary to describe political manipulation and falsehoods. The chapter closes off with four provocations for future research. First, it suggests that research must bring history back to the forefront. Second, it argues that epistemic vigilance is vital to research. There is a dire need for researchers to reflexively engage with the production and use of concepts. Third, it calls for unloading the “magic bullets” of information: as has been known for decades, information does not function like magic bullets shot into people’s head. Yet, this pervasive trope nonetheless continues to haunt contemporary scholarship. Fourth – and finally – the chapter posits that fake news solutionism needs critical engagement. Scholars need to mobilize critical resources so as to question existing structures of power and provide other ways of normatively engaging with our present democratic moment.
