The chapter delves into the intrigue people have towards conspiracy theories and highlights the natural demand for such content. Discussion includes a debunked conspiracy theory about the Phantom Time Hypothesis and suggests offering alternative theories as a less harmful approach to addressing dangerous conspiracies.
This week, an assassination attempt for the social media age: what the platforms got right and wrong in the chaotic aftermath. Then we talk with the Times reporter Teddy Schleifer from this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee about the wave of Silicon Valley billionaires stepping up to back Trump. And finally, we talk to The Times’s Styles reporter Callie Holtermann about facial fitness gum, a “jawmaxxing” product targeted at teen boys online.
Guests:
Additional Reading:
We want to hear from you. Email us at hardfork@nytimes.com. Find “Hard Fork” on YouTube and TikTok.