80,000 Hours Podcast

#96 – Nina Schick on disinformation and the rise of synthetic media

35 snips
Apr 6, 2021
Nina Schick, author of "Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse," dives into the daunting world of disinformation and synthetic media. She explains why fears surrounding deepfakes may be exaggerated, yet warns of their potential to reshape societal trust. Nina argues that misinformation is as critical as climate change, highlighting the erosion of trust in media. She discusses lessons from Estonia on combating disinformation and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to authenticate media. The conversation raises vital questions about ethics and accountability in the age of deepfakes.
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ANECDOTE

Deepfake Pornography's Harm

  • Deepfake pornography is used to attack and silence female activists and other women.
  • This causes real harm, as it is often the first thing people find online about the victim.
INSIGHT

Unintended Consequences of the Internet

  • The internet and social media haven't yielded the utopian information age envisioned by founders.
  • Instead, they've amplified existing human tendencies, both good and bad, creating an unprecedented information environment.
ANECDOTE

Visual Disinformation in Myanmar

  • Visual disinformation, like manipulated images and out-of-context clips, has been used to incite violence, even genocide.
  • Nina Schick saw this in Myanmar, where Facebook's introduction led to the spread of harmful content.
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