Long Shadow Going Viral
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Jul 29, 2025 Pam Hemphill, a former substance abuse counselor and participant in the Capitol riot, shares her firsthand experience of the chaotic events. Joan Donovan, an academic specializing in misinformation, discusses the role of social media in amplifying false narratives during crises. They explore how social media algorithms contributed to the spread of misinformation during the pandemic, shaping public perception. The conversation delves into the personal and political ramifications of misinformation, highlighting its threat to democracy.
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Social Media's Psychological Manipulation
- Social media platforms exploit psychology to manipulate users and trigger dopamine hits rapidly.
- This design erodes social fabric by fostering misinformation, division, and distrust in society.
Facebook's Shift to Responsibility
- Facebook initially downplayed issues around fake news and interference but shifted to a broader responsibility.
- Zuckerberg pledged proactive content moderation and created an oversight board to manage difficult moderation decisions.
Tech's Token Cooperation with Academia
- Initial cooperation between tech companies and academia raised hopes to tackle misinformation.
- But platforms often placated efforts without genuine investment, using PR tactics rather than real solutions.