The invisible rulers of the internet are no longer just PR consultants and advertisers, but algorithms and influencers who shape our bespoke realities through immersive persuasion. Social media platforms have transformed from places to connect with friends to ecosystems where propaganda thrives, creating fragmented information environments that leave users swimming in increasingly polarized content.

In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah Bostic speaks with Renee DiResta, a leading researcher on misinformation who traces her journey from concerned parent to disinformation expert. DiResta unpacks how platforms' business models prioritize engagement over truth, explains why political messaging strategies differ dramatically between left and right, and offers practical recommendations for resetting online norms beyond simple calls for media literacy.

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Resources

'Propaganda'

'The Invisible Rulers'

'Shrimp, slop, spam: what counts as creativity?'

'Instagram 'Error' Turned Reels Into Neverending Scroll of Murder, Gore, and Violence'

'Influence and Improvisation: Participatory Disinformation during the 2020 US Election'

The Lawfare Podcast "Lawfare Daily: A World Without Cesars"

Our Guest

Renée DiResta is an Associate Research Professor at Georgetown's McCourt School who studies how information spreads and distorts online. Her research examines the ecosystem of influence operations, from viral misinformation to coordinated propaganda campaigns. DiResta investigates the interplay between algorithms, influencers, and human behavior that shapes our online information environment. She has advised Congress, the State Department, and global leaders on countering digital manipulation and is the author of ‘The Invisible Rulers,’ which explores propaganda in the digital age.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business.

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes.

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help.

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