This podcast examines Twitter's role in activism and revolution, including its influence in the Ferguson protests and the Iranian protests. It also discusses Twitter's changing perspectives on free speech and harmful content, and the challenge of balancing free expression and safety on the platform. The podcast explores Twitter's role in the insurrection and the challenges faced by social media platforms. Overall, it delves into the power and responsibility of Twitter in shaping public discourse.
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Quick takeaways
Twitter's ambition to serve as a tool for revolution and social change was highlighted during the Ferguson protests in 2014 when activists utilized the platform to organize and inform protesters.
Donald Trump's provocative and controversial tweets allowed him to bypass traditional media and shape his own headlines, raising concerns about the impact of social media platforms like Twitter on public discourse and political communication.
Deep dives
Twitter's Impact on Activism
Twitter played a significant role in facilitating activism during the Ferguson protests in 2014. DeRay McKesson, an activist, utilized Twitter to organize and inform protesters, becoming a key source of information. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey also recognized the platform's potential for activism, attending Ferguson to bear witness. This event marked a pivotal moment in Twitter's ambition to serve as a tool for revolution and social change.
Trump's Use and Abuse of Twitter
Donald Trump's use of Twitter was a defining aspect of his presidency. He discovered Twitter in 2009 as a way to promote his book and later took over personal control of his account. Trump's provocative and controversial tweets allowed him to bypass traditional media and shape his own headlines. His tweets were often divisive, leading to criticism and concerns about their impact on public discourse and the role of social media platforms like Twitter in political communication.
Twitter's Battle with Misinformation
Twitter's battle with misinformation began with concerns over Russian interference in the 2016 election. The company initially grappled with the balance between free expression and safety, adhering to the belief that more speech would counteract falsehoods. However, as the negative impact of misinformation became apparent, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter started taking measures to combat it. The company implemented deep fake policies, content labels, and fact-checking initiatives, but faced challenges in distinguishing between political speech and harmful disinformation.
Twitter's Response to the Capitol Riots
The Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, became a pivotal moment for Twitter. Following Donald Trump's tweet encouraging protests, Twitter's trust and safety team took immediate action to prevent the spread of violence-inciting content. Trump's account was temporarily suspended, leading to his permanent ban two days later. Twitter faced backlash from conservatives who accused the platform of bias, while others praised the decision. The events surrounding the Capitol riots highlighted the immense power and responsibility of social media platforms in moderating content and combatting harmful actions.
Twitter employees had always imagined the platform would be used for social good. Their idea was that free expression on the internet would lead to good things. But after the 2016 U.S. election, that notion would be put under stress. And Twitter would have to grapple with the question: what happens when its powerful superuser - who also happens to be the most powerful person in the world - creates havoc on the platform?