Disinformation is rampant in our society, and a threat to our democracy. In his presentation Andrew explained in very clear terms why that is how we can help to combat it. We often hear about the algorithms that drive what we see online, but few of us really understand how social media works. Andrew was able to explain the technical and economic reasons for the spread of disinformation to a lay audience and in doing so raise awareness so that we better evaluate what we are reading online.

Tamara Gaskell, Director
Roeliff Jansen Community Library

Andrew Edwards gave a presentation at the Hyde Park Library the evening of Aug. 5. Though attendance at our speaker events can be relatively scarce, Andrew packed our programming room to capacity. His specialized knowledge in the area of social media and the history behind it lent credence to his discussion of the dis- and misinformation propagated online and the actual and potential harm it’s doing to society. I found the presentation fascinating and enlightening, and I know from speaking to many attendees following the program that they did, as well.

Lisa Palmer, Director
Hyde Park Library

We were thrilled to host Andrew’s presentation on this very critical topic, one that is long overdue for our society to tackle. He has a talent for being able to explain a very complex issue in terms that people unfamiliar with the inner workings of social media and algorithms can understand and see the threat they pose to our communities. I would highly recommend this presentation to any institution that values having integrity in the world of information. 

Brian James, Access & Patron Services Librarian
Kingston Library

Andrew’s presentation on disinformation in social media was well-researched and engaging. It stressed the importance of critical thinking and provided insightful context for this very timely topic. Overall, our patrons were appreciative of the information from the presentation.

Krista Miller, Adult Services, Reference, and Programming Librarian
Poughkeepsie Public Library

Andrew provided an engaging and informative presentation on disinformation and the perils of social media. He uses his expertise to raise awareness around disinformation and the importance of fact-checking in an environment increasingly driven by AI, bots, and algorithms. He not only offers explanations and context for how disinformation has become so rampant, but also the opportunities, both global and local, for addressing the problem. I heartily recommend Andrew’s program for anyone looking to understand disinformation and feel more empowered to combat it.

Katherine O’Neil, Director
Lenox Library

Andrew Edwards presented at Clinton Community Library in September 2024. His presentation on disinformation and social media introduced a very important subject to our community. He communicated the ever increasing need of understanding and deciphering the media we consume online. His knowledge on the subject is clear and patrons expressed their appreciation in learning more about how to combat disinformation.

Leah Arnold, Programming Coordinator
Clinton Community Library

Andrew’s presentation is an informative, big-picture overview of our current social media landscape. His understanding of current policy and platforms is nuanced and engaging to viewers. Combined with his recommendations for navigating facts on social media, Andrew’s presentation leaves viewers with a more complex–and truthful–view of the digital world we inhabit.

Priya Charry, Head of Adult Services
Forbes Library, Northampton, MA

Thank you for presenting a program on Disinformation in Social Media to our patrons. They enjoyed the presentation and felt that Andrew was very knowledgeable. They thought he was a very good presenter. Here are some further comments from those attending:

– “It was an important topic because there is so much information and it is very divisive.”
– “The presenter provided resources to check on misinformation.”
– A patron appreciated that the presenter gave information on “aspects of social media vs. printed media.”
– Andrew “explained algorithms and gave clear explanations.”

One patron mentioned that this was an important topic because people don’t understand Freedom of Speech.

The audience enjoyed the active Q & A. The presenter answered the questions well. We ordered the book based on patron requests after the presentation.

Michelle Di Giovanni
Lee Library Association

Andrew’s presentation on identifying disinformation and Section 230 is incredibly eye opening and sobering. It’s a not to miss event!

Jessica Laddin, Community Coordinator
The Spark of Hudson

Events

Wednesday, October 16, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
North Adams Public Library: 74 Church St., North Adams, MA 01247

Friday, October 18, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Interview
WGXC 90.7-FM: Radio for Open Ears

Past Events

10/10/24
Interview: Project Good Podcast
Andrew and Annmarie Hylton, Head Marketing Strategist and Content Developer at Project Good Work discuss “Army of Liars”.

10/9/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
The Spark of Hudson: 502 Union Street, Hudson, NY 12534

10/5/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Woodstock Public Library: 5 Library Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498

10/2/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Lee Library: 100 Main St, Lee, MA 01238

9/25/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Forbes Library: 20 West St., Northampton MA

9/22/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
The Chatham Bookstore: 27 Main Street, Chatham, NY

9/19/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Kinderhook Memorial Library: 18 Hudson St, Kinderhook, NY

9/15/24
Interview
The Woodstock Roundtable with Doug Grunther

9/14/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Clinton Community Library: 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck, NY

9/11/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Boardman Road Branch Library, 141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie, NY

9/10/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Lenox Library: 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA

9/4/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Greenfield Public Library: 412 Main Street, Greenfield, MA

8/24/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Great Barrington Mason Library: 231 Main Street (Route 7) Great Barrington, MA 01230

8/14/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Elting Library: 93 Main St., New Paltz, NY

8/8/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Kingston Library: 61 Crown St Kingston, NY 12401

8/5/24
“Truth Matters: How to Identify and Combat Disinformation in Social Media and Beyond” Presentation
Hyde Park Library: 2 Main Street, Hyde Park, NY 12538

7/10/24
Redefining Society with Marco Ciappelli – Why “Fake News” Is Tearing this Country Apart – and What We Can Do About It
ITSPmagazine Podcast Guests Panelists: Andrew V. Edwards, Joy Scott. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JULp1BBZBtY

4/5/24
Andrew spoke to a group of PR decision-makers at the PRBI AGM conference in NYC about need for PR professionals to navigate disinformation on Social Media and beyond. Click here to read more. 

3/26/24
Andrew talks with Randall Martin of the Afternoon Show at WGXC about the proliferation of disinformation in social media, and how Section 230 protects social media platforms from liability. Click here to listen (interview starts at 10:55).

1/18/24
Navigating Digital Worlds: How to Recognize and Fight Back Against Disinformation in Social Media. Andrew gave a lively presentation at the Joeliff Jansen Library into the sources, history, and practice of disinformation in social media in today’s digitally driven society – illuminating the roots, dynamics, and methods by which disinformation is produced and distributed via social media.

1/16/24
Disarming Disinformation & Promoting Truth In Media. Listen to this lively conversation. Ex-cybercriminal Brett Johnson of the Brett Johnson podcast interviews Andrew about disinformation. They discuss how Verity7 is providing individuals and organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to spot and combat disinformation effectively. Click here to listen.

12/20/23
Andrew interviews one of his favorite commentators, Malcolm Nance. The subject is the Middle East conflict, pointing out how disinformation is making a bad situation worse. Click here to listen.

10/10/23
Andrew is interviewed by Randall Martin of the Afternoon Show at WGXC. In this interview, Andrew talks about disinformation in social media, how to recognize it, and become a better-educated consumer of news. Click here to listen.

8/10/23
Andrew is interviewed by Randall Martin of the Afternoon Show at WGXC. They discuss the hot topic of Section 230 and explore the realm of online discourse, misinformation, and the legal landscape that shapes it. Listen to this insightful conversation that sheds light on the challenges and complexities of the digital age. Click here to listen.

8/12/15
Andrew is interviewed by Joe Donahue of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. They discuss Andrew’s first non-fiction book Digital Is Destroying Everything, where he “takes us on a tour of today’s “blasted heath”, where many things we’ve held dear have been uprooted or entirely changed by digital.” Click here to listen.