Teaching History Differently to Improve Engagement

Social media didn’t just change politics — it changed how truth spreads.

In this raw, wide-ranging conversation, Samantha Ettus explains why so many parents are calling her in panic, confused about why their kids are suddenly radicalized online, questioning Israel, Zionism, and even basic facts — and how disinformation now moves faster than reality.

From losing her home in the Pacific Palisades fires, to speaking out after October 7th, to fighting antisemitism online at massive personal cost — this episode explores propaganda, social media algorithms, broken institutions, campus activism, celebrity silence, and why media literacy may be the most important skill of the next generation.

📚 What You’ll Learn

🧠 How social media shapes political identity

📱 Why Gen Z absorbs narratives faster than facts

🔍 How disinformation outpaces corrections

🎭 Why celebrities stay silent on hard issues

🏫 How campuses became battlegrounds for ideas

🤖 Why AI makes discernment more critical than ever

🗳️ Why local elections impact daily life most

🧩 How to teach kids critical thinking skills

Chapters

00:00 Parents Calling in Panic About Their Kids

01:32 Losing a Home — and an Entire Community

03:58 October 7th Changed Everything

05:03 Becoming an Accidental News Source

07:10 Why Corrections Never Travel as Far as Lies

09:21 Losing Followers for Platforming Voices

12:33 Celebrity Silence and Social Media Fear

16:08 TikTok, Algorithms & Youth Radicalization

20:22 Why Institutions Can’t Be Trusted Blindly

47:59 Teaching Discernment in the AI Era

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team.

While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show.

Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.

We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program.

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🔑 Keywords

samantha edis interview, antisemitism social media, gen z radicalization, tiktok disinformation, media literacy podcast, israel zionism explained, parents worried about kids beliefs, propaganda on social media

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