Review by Rob Yates, LPNC Communications Director

Manipulated dives into the dark corners of cyber warfare, revealing how state actors, hacktivists, and cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in digital infrastructures to influence public opinion and manipulate democratic processes. Payton's narrative is both alarming and enlightening, as she dissects various high-profile incidents of cyber interference and lays bare the strategies used by malicious entities to distort the truth.

Payton meticulously details how foreign adversaries have targeted not only the machinery of elections but also the minds of voters. By spreading disinformation and exploiting social media platforms, these actors aim to sow discord and erode trust in democratic institutions. Payton's analysis of the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections provides concrete examples of these tactics in action.

Payton excels in explaining the mechanisms of disinformation campaigns. She breaks down the methods used to create and disseminate false narratives, from deepfakes to bot armies, and highlights the psychological principles that make these tactics so effective. Her discussion on the role of social media algorithms in amplifying disinformation is particularly compelling, as it sheds light on how seemingly neutral technologies can be co-opted for nefarious purposes.

Manipulated is not just a tale of doom and gloom; it also offers practical solutions. Payton outlines comprehensive strategies for safeguarding electoral integrity and combating disinformation. She advocates for a multi-faceted approach that includes technological defenses, regulatory reforms, and public education. Her emphasis on the need for greater transparency and accountability from tech companies is especially pertinent.

One of the strongest parts of the book is when Payton interviews an anonymous person who was behind much of the narrative driving in the 2016 election. Her questions were poignant, and the answers were equal parts illuminating and terrifying.

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