In Web of Lies, author Aoife Gallagher examines the threat of online conspiracy theories from the wacky to the downright dangerous. She also explains and explores the world of Qanon and far-right extremist movements and show how easy it can be for those in a vulnerable place to become radicalised with all sorts of ideas from flat-earth theories to more dangerous anti-covid views or anto-feminist.

I really enjoyed this book and even though the world in which Aoife is explaining is not a new one to me, I found myself learning more about the dark parts of the web that I had blocked out of sight for a bit (but I think it's important to know the existence of these place and be in a position where you can educate others on the dangers of these places). The book is very readable and even though the world of conspiracy theories is vast and can be confusing, Aoife shares her knowledge in a way those with no knowledge of the world can easily digest and I think this is excellent. There is no talking down, or pretentiousness in how the author educated the reader and with such a subject matter, this is so important, and I also really like how Aoife opened the book with sharing how she herself once became victim to conspiracy theories, proving it can happen to anyone and it doesn't mean you are stupid, uneducated or ignorant - ofttimes you may just be in a particular time of your life when something the theorist is pushing lights up your brain and you become vulnerable to believing other information no matter how bizarre it is.

Aoife Gallagher is an Irish author, and while this book looks at conspiracy theories and disinformation/misinformation on a global scale, she is able to drill down several times and show the effects of such movements in Ireland, and even the history of such movements in Ireland (which really shocked me - I had no idea we had so groups in history pushing mad theories like Holocaust denial).

I think this is an important read for everyone, and one that I would recommend to a lot of people from all different walks of life, and who knows, this could save people from believing in disinformation online - or even if it makes people more skeptical to things they are reading without credible sources, that is just brilliant in my eyes.