Though many argue that increased media literacy is the best solution to combat misinformation, disinformation, and information overload, this book argues instead for the value of well-considered ignorance. Well-considered ignorance is a conscious, individual or collective choice not to seek out or use information. The well-considered ignoring of information works complementary to the skills of dealing critically with information. What is better to ignore can be grouped into three categories: information that distracts us, disinformation, and interventions from malicious players on the internet. While most books end up with tips and tricks to be better informed, this does the opposite. Today, the challenge is not ‘amusing ourselves to death’, it is about ‘informing ourselves to death.’

Ignaas Devisch is Senior Professor of Philosophy of Medicine & Ethics at the University of Ghent, Belgium.