"Most of us would've been Nazi's" with Yevgeny Simkin
Nov 22, 2024
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Yevgeny Simkin, co-founder of the innovative social media platform Sez.us, dives into the profound influence of social media on democracy. He discusses how misinformation and censorship shape public perception, drawing parallels with oppressive regimes like Russia. Simkin highlights the importance of a new social network that promotes trust and healthy discourse. The conversation also touches on innovative technologies designed to bypass censorship and enhance user accountability, all while addressing the delicate balance of free speech in the digital world.
Access to reliable information is critical for resisting propaganda and empowering citizens, especially in authoritarian contexts.
The development of community-focused social networks like Sez.us aims to enhance constructive dialogue and rebuild trust in democracy.
Deep dives
The Importance of Reliable Information
Access to reliable information is crucial for making informed decisions in society, particularly in the context of misinformation and government propaganda. The discussion highlights the historical contrast between living under oppressive regimes, exemplified by the experiences of individuals who fled from places like Soviet Russia. The creation of platforms like Samas.online aims to circumvent censorship and provide citizens with accurate information, especially in countries where access to independent media is severely restricted. This initiative underscores the belief that enhancing public access to factual news can empower individuals to resist manipulation by authoritarian regimes.
Challenges in Democratic Engagement
A significant concern raised is the discouragement felt by many voters in the electoral process, particularly among groups that historically supported democratic candidates. Despite high voter turnout in recent elections, there is evidence showing fluctuations in support and engagement from these groups, which can be attributed to both disinformation campaigns and feelings of disillusionment with the political system. Moreover, the discussion identifies how right-wing propaganda networks have effectively used social media algorithms to instill fear and resentment, contributing to voter apathy and the potential erosion of democratic norms. This situation necessitates innovative approaches to re-engage the electorate and rebuild trust in the democratic process.
The Role of Social Media in Information Flow
Social media platforms are critiqued for their algorithms, which often prioritize sensational and negative content, exacerbating division and discouraging constructive dialogue. The conversation stresses the need for a new model of social networking that fosters trust, transparency, and community engagement, contrasting sharply with existing platforms that seemingly promote hostility. By focusing on enhancing user interactions and building reputational systems, initiatives like Says Us aim to create healthier communication ecosystems. The goal is to encourage users to engage civilly while informing themselves and others without resorting to inflammatory rhetoric or disinformation.
Creating a Trust-Based Community
The development of a community-focused social network is seen as essential for preserving democratic values and fostering open dialogue. This platform is designed to prioritize meaningful interactions over mere engagement metrics, encouraging users to communicate with respect and responsibility. By implementing mechanisms that evaluate user reputations and promote healthy discussions, the vision is to reduce the prevalence of anonymous aggression and cultivate environments of accountability. Ultimately, the framework is aimed at empowering users to drive meaningful conversations that contribute positively to the broader societal discourse.
Yevgeny Simkin joins us today to discuss how social media shaped this election. Did the propaganda train win them this election? Does whoever control the information control the nation? He's also here to help promote the new social media platform that looks to overtake X, and it's called Sez.us. Simkin and Joe explain the importance of this app and the features that places Sez.us miles ahead of X.