What happens when identity becomes ideology and information becomes a weapon?
The Social Contagion: Viral Ideologies & the Culture War for America's Future is a fearless cultural deep-dive into the crisis of belief shaping American politics, media, and identity. With a journalist’s clarity and a seeker’s heart, Alison Sher dissects how social media, misinformation and the viral spread of ideologies radicalized American culture during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From conspiracy-laced echo chambers to digital activism gone extreme, Sher captures the raw tension of a nation split by culture wars, fighting a spiritual battle that transcends party lines. Through vulnerable storytelling, sharp media critique, and philosophical insight, The Social Contagion charts the conspiracy theories that shaped national conversation and the inner fractures that occur when truth becomes indiscernible and belonging is weaponized.
For readers disillusioned by mainstream discourse, yet skeptical of easy answers, this book provides a map through our modern-day ideological and tribal maze.
YOUR GUIDE THROUGH POST-TRUTH AMERICA
- Decode the psychological mechanics of belief, influence, fear, and violence
- Break out of groupthink and examine the cost of political polarization
- Explore how media in America drives identity, division, and dissent
- Understand the fallout of cancel culture and an information ecosystem that fosters mass distrust
- A rare blend of investigative journalism, sociology, and philosophical reflection
WHY THIS BOOK STANDS APART
Not Left. Not Right. Just Real.
Sher writes from outside the ideological trenches, challenging both woke politics and alt-right culture with compassion and clarity.
The Story Behind the Spin
This is more than a conspiracy theory book. It’s a humane look at why narratives go viral, and how misinformation and paranoia affect the soul of a nation.
For the Politically Homeless
If you feel burned out, disillusioned, or intellectually orphaned since Trump’s rise to power, this book meets you where you are, explains why so many Americans feel the same way, and charts a path forward.
Whether you're searching for answers to explain the results of the 2024 election or meaning in the chaos of a world at war, The Social Contagion is a bold, necessary read.
