Ctrl+Alt+Doubt: Decoding the Language of Online Conspiracy Talk
Decoding: Ctrl+Alt+Doubt by Oxford University Press examines how conspiracy narratives are assembled and spread through language and social interaction. Rao and Greve draw on cases involving COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter, using ideas from cultural sociology, computational linguistics and diffusion theory. Its focus is on readers interested in how online conspiracy talk develops, rather than a general introduction to social media.
At a glance
- Treats conspiracy theories as linguistic constructions rather than only as cognitive errors, psychological pathologies or products of echo chambers.
- Uses distributional semantics to examine how meanings are assembled, recombined and diffused online.
- Discusses COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter cases, including the roles of fear-laden language, bots, hashtags and superspreaders.
- Connects cultural sociology, computational linguistics and diffusion theory.
Reference price: $105.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- A defined analytical framework gives the book a clear focus on language patterns and how conspiracy narratives travel.
- The examples link its theoretical approach to two prominent contemporary contexts.
- At 176 pages, the listed print edition is a relatively focused treatment of the subject.
Cons
- Its specialized treatment of conspiracy talk may be too narrow for readers seeking a broad overview of social media or conspiracy theories.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | July 29, 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 176 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0197772285 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0197772287 |
| Dimensions | 6.13 x 0.56 x 9.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 15 ounces |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers studying online conspiracy narratives, digital discourse or social movements.
- Students and researchers interested in links between language, cultural sociology and diffusion.
- Readers seeking discussion of conspiracy talk in COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter contexts.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a general guide to evaluating claims or a broad survey of social media.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ctrl+Alt+Doubt about?
It examines how conspiracy narratives are constructed and spread online, emphasizing linguistic patterns and interaction rather than treating them only as cognitive or psychological phenomena.
Which cases does the book discuss?
The supplied description identifies cases involving COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests.
Who may find this book useful?
It may suit readers studying digital discourse, cultural sociology, computational linguistics, diffusion or social movements.
What are the listed print edition details?
The listing gives Oxford University Press as the publisher, English as the language, 176 pages, and a publication date of July 29, 2026.
Alternative options
Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters
$24.60
Data Independence: Reclaiming Privacy in an Era of Evolving Tech
$29.99
The Ultimate Guide to Mastering AI for Leaders: Your Non-technical Playbook for Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Innovation
$18.72
Generative AI and the Rise of Artificial General Intelligence: The Simplified yet Powerful Guide to Grasping the Fundamentals, Real-World Applications, and Ethical Challenges
$2.99
AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable (Chapman & Hall/CRC Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Series)
$32.77
What You Need to Know About AI: A Primer on Being Human in an Artificially Intelligent World
$18.63
Data Protection Explained: How to Protect Data and Embed Privacy in Your Organization
$49.40
The Segmentation Blueprint: Designing, Deploying, and Scaling Network Segmentation for Modern Cyber Defense
$57.72
AI SCAMS - THE CALL THAT ISN’T REAL: How to Recognize Voice Cloning, Deepfakes, Phishing, and Online Fraud—and Protect Your Money, Identity, and Family
$15.95
Embedded Software Development for Safety-Critical Systems
$51.19
Advanced Cyber Threat Intelligence and Hunting: Detect APTs and zero-day attacks using CTI, behavioral analytics, and AI techniques
$49.99
AI and the CISSP Mind: Securing Systems in the Age of Intelligent Threats
$25.99
