Explore the mechanics of online misinformation and disinformation in this 19-minute conference talk from USENIX Enigma 2021. Delve into the perfect storm created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. election, examining how these crises, coupled with the current structure of information systems, have made society particularly vulnerable to false and misleading information. Analyze examples from both events to understand the existential threat disinformation poses to democratic societies. Conclude with a hopeful call to action for researchers and industry professionals to address this critical societal issue, offering insights on how to chip away at the problem of misinformation in the digital age.