Book description
An "essential and riveting" (Jonathan Haidt) analysis of the radical shift in the dynamics of power and influence, revealing how the machinery that powered the Big Lie works to create bespoke realities revolutionizing politics, culture, and society. Renรฉe DiResta's powerful, original investigation into the way power and influence have been profoundly transformed reveals how a virtual rumor mill of niche propagandists increasingly shapes public opinion. While propagandists position themselves as trustworthy Davids, their reach, influence, and economics make them classic Goliaths--invisible rulers who create bespoke realities to revolutionize politics, culture, and society. Their work is driven by a simple maxim: if you make it trend, you make it true. By revealing the machinery and dynamics of the interplay between influencers, algorithms, and online crowds, DiResta vividly illustrates the way propagandists deliberately undermine belief in the fundamental legitimacy of institutions that make society work. This alternate system for shaping public opinion, unexamined until now, is rewriting the relationship between the people and their government in profound ways. It has become a force so shockingly effective that its destructive power seems limitless. Scientific proof is powerless in front of it. Democratic validity is bulldozed by it. Leaders are humiliated by it. But they need not be. With its deep insight into the power of propagandists to drive online crowds into battle--while bearing no responsibility for the consequences--Invisible Rulers not only predicts those consequences but offers ways for leaders to rapidly adapt and fight back.
About the Author
Renรฉe DiResta is the technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, a cross-disciplinary program of research, teaching, and policy engagement for the study of abuse in information technologies. Her work examines rumors and propaganda in the digital age. She has analyzed geopolitical campaigns created by foreign powers such as Russia, China, and Iran; voting- related rumors that led to the January 6 insurrection; and health misinformation and conspiracy theories pushed by domestic influencers. She is a contributor at The Atlantic. Her bylined writing has appeared in Wired, Foreign Affairs, Columbia Journalism Review, New York Times, Washington Post, Yale Review, The Guardian, POLITICO, Slate, and Noema, as well as many academic journals. DiResta has been a Presidential Leadership Scholar (a program run by the Presidents Bush, Clinton, and the LBJ Foundations); named an Emerson Fellow, a Truman National Security Project fellow, Mozilla Fellow in Media, Misinformation, and Trust, a Harvard Berkman-Klein affiliate, and a Council on Foreign Relations term member.
Mud Eye
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. ๐ง๐ฑ I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Sleek Assassin
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book โ brilliant! This app has reignited my passion for literature โ I'm devouring books like never before. ๐ฉโ๐ณ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales โ cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! ๐ณ๐ง
Pogue
I've found my new favorite way to relax โ cuddled up with an audiobook. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. ๐๏ธ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency โ I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. ๐ถ๐
LifeRobber
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Waylay Dave
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience โ a fantastic feature. This audiobook app is a true gem โ it brings stories to life with every click.
SunnySnap
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting โ pure magic! The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Fennel Dove
Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Easy Sweep
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Efficiency meets audiobooks โ this app's functionality is a true winner. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Manly
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Demolition Queen
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Slacker Cat
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Spooky Yellowjacket
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
GoldTouch
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
RiddleRanger
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Staying entertained during leisurely walks โ audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
SkyGod
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality โ a journey into captivating worlds. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
The Beekeeper
Say goodbye to boring commutes โ this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ๐๐ Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Mr. Alien
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. No more worries about compatibility โ ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Sweet Manhattan
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer โ I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ๐๐
K-Tin Man
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Guillotine Trigger
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic โ what a win! Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ๐๐ Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ๐๐ Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience