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Attention Wars: How Lies Spread Online Have Real-World Consequences | Renée DiResta

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Aug 28, 2024

Guest

Renée DiResta

Renée DiResta, a technical research manager at Stanford Internet Observatory, dives into the alarming effects of online manipulation and misinformation. She discusses how the shift from traditional journalism to social media has altered the rules of truth-telling. The rise of influencers and the emergence of AI-generated content farms play pivotal roles in shaping public perception. Renée also explores the psychological impact of digital engagement and the societal consequences of misinformation, emphasizing the urgent need for media literacy in today's world.

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Episode notes

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ANECDOTE

Trust Me, I'm Lying

Ryan Holiday's first book, Trust Me, I'm Lying, explored early online media manipulation.
It was initially rejected but later became influential, highlighting his concerns about the industry.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

The Harder They Fall

Bud Schulberg's novel, The Harder They Fall, impacted Ryan Holiday's career path.
Though impactful, it took Holiday years to act on the book's lessons about integrity and resisting corruption.

insights

INSIGHT

Media Literacy

Media literacy is crucial for navigating the complex online world.
Without it, individuals are vulnerable to manipulation by those seeking power and influence.

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The Impact of Online Activism and Idea Viruses

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Misinformation's Evolution and Influence

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The Rise of AI-Generated Content Farms and Their Implications

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#3866

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Rules for Radicals

A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals

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Published in 1971, 'Rules for Radicals' is a seminal work by Saul Alinsky that provides a set of principles and tactics for community organizers and activists. The book outlines 13 rules for radicals to use in their efforts to bring about social change, emphasizing the importance of understanding power dynamics, using ridicule, and maintaining constant pressure on the opposition. Alinsky's work has been influential across various political spectra and continues to be a significant resource for those involved in social and political activism.

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Meditations

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Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

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Invisible Rulers

The People Who Turn Lies into Reality

Renee DiResta

Renée DiResta’s investigation reveals how power and influence have been transformed by a virtual rumor mill of niche propagandists. These propagandists, despite positioning themselves as trustworthy, wield significant reach, influence, and economic power, undermining the legitimacy of institutions and reshaping politics, culture, and society. The book exposes the machinery and dynamics of the interplay between influencers, algorithms, and online crowds, and offers strategies for leaders to adapt and counter these forces.

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Trust Me, I'm Lying

Confessions of a Media Manipulator

Ryan Holiday

In 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' Ryan Holiday exposes the inner workings of the online media system, detailing how rumors and false information can quickly spread from low-level blogs to major news outlets. The book highlights the role of marketers and media manipulators in this process, driven by the toxic economics of the news business. Holiday shares his own experiences as a media manipulator and provides insights into the social science behind why this system is so vulnerable to manipulation. He also offers advice on how to spot and combat these manipulative tactics.

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The brass check

Upton Sinclair

The Brass Check, published in 1919, is a critical analysis of American journalism, focusing on its commercialization and political biases. Sinclair critiques newspapers and the Associated Press for serving the interests of their owners rather than the public. He proposes reforms to address these issues, including laws to ensure accuracy and the unionization of journalists.

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Liar's poker

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Liar's Poker is a non-fiction, semi-autobiographical book that details Michael Lewis's three-year tenure at Salomon Brothers, one of Wall Street's premier investment firms in the 1980s. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the culture of bond traders, highlighting the frat-boy camaraderie, killer instincts, and high-stakes games of bluffing and deception. Lewis describes the creation and use of mortgage bonds, the excessive bonuses, and the ruthless competition among traders. The narrative also touches on the author's disillusionment with the industry, leading to his resignation and transition into financial journalism.

“If you make it trend, you make it true” is a terrifyingly real quote across the cover of Renée DiResta’s book, Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality. Renée DiResta studies the many ways that people attempt to manipulate or target others online, similar to what Ryan talks about in his first book, Trust Me, I’m Lying. In this episode, Renée and Ryan talk about the shift from traditional journalism ethics to the new realm of social media influence, the psychological impact of online engagement, and the societal consequences of misinformation.

Renée DiResta is a technical research manager at Stanford Internet Observatory and has briefed world leaders, advised Congress, the State Department, and a myriad of organizations on how online manipulation can take different forms.

Renée's book, Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality, is all about the virtual rumor mill and how niche propagandists can shape public opinion.

She was also featured in Netflix’s documentary, The Social Dilemma which came out in 2020. You can follow Renée on X @noUpside, or check out her website reneediresta.com

📚 Grab a copy of Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com

📕Trust Me I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday | https://www.thepaintedporch.com

📚 The Harder They Fall by Budd Schulberg | https://www.thepaintedporch.com

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