Why Is 'New Climate Denial' So Popular On Social Media? (w/ Imran Ahmed)
Feb 14, 2024
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Imran Ahmed, Founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate US/UK, discusses the rise of 'New Climate Denial' on social media due to lack of content moderation, profit motivations for spreading misinformation, and attacks on climate activists. The episode focuses on debunking false claims, enforcing rules against climate denial content, and the need for transparency and accountability in social media regulation to combat the spread of false information.
The shift from climate denial to undermining trust in solutions and science on social media requires a new focus and counter narrative strategies.
Disinformation campaigns target climate activists and scientists to erode credibility, hindering climate action efforts.
Social media platforms' profit-driven algorithms incentivize the spread of climate denial, necessitating comprehensive regulations for transparency and accountability.
Deep dives
The New Climate Denial: Spreading Disinformation on Social Media
The Center for Countering Digital Hate released a report titled 'The New Climate Denial' that examines how social media platforms and content producers profit from spreading new forms of climate denial. The report reveals a shift in tactics, with the focus moving from outright denial of climate change to undermining confidence in solutions and climate science. The economics of disinformation, including its low production and distribution costs, have created a profitable industry that spreads lies about climate change. Social media platforms, such as YouTube, have been monetizing both old and new forms of climate denial, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the industry. The report also exposes the tactics of attacking climate activists and scientists to silence them and create obstacles to climate action. This form of disinformation not only undermines trust in science and institutions but also poses a threat to democracy by sowing chaos and promoting authoritarian figures.
The Impact of Disinformation on the Climate Movement
The report highlights the damaging impact of disinformation on the climate movement. By spreading lies and distortions about climate change, disinformation campaigns aim to sow doubt and distrust among the public. The report reveals that misinformation is often targeted at climate activists and scientists, attacking their credibility and making them hesitant to speak out. This erosion of trust in institutions and experts is a common strategy employed by those spreading disinformation and undermines efforts to address the climate crisis. It is crucial for the climate movement to be aware of these tactics and respond effectively to combat disinformation.
The Role of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms play a significant role in the spread of disinformation. The report exposes how platforms like YouTube monetize climate denial content, creating a profitable industry for spreading falsehoods. The algorithms used by these platforms prioritize engagement, amplifying controversial and hateful content that generates high levels of interaction. This incentivizes the production and distribution of disinformation. The lack of transparency and accountability from social media companies further compounds the problem. The report calls for comprehensive regulations that promote transparency, accountability, and responsibility for these platforms. Legislation is needed to address these issues and protect the integrity of the information ecosystem.
The Need for Legislative Action
Legislative action is crucial in addressing the issue of disinformation. The report highlights the importance of reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which currently hinders holding social media companies accountable. It also calls for the establishment of a regulatory body, similar to the FCC, to set standards and ensure transparency in the industry. Comprehensive legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, and responsibility will help create a safer and healthier information ecosystem. Without legislative action, there is a risk of further erosion of trust in institutions and democracy.
The Threat to Democracy and the Role of Climate Denial
The report emphasizes the connection between climate denial and the erosion of democracy. Disinformation campaigns exploit the chaotic information ecosystem to promote authoritarian figures and undermine trust in democratic processes. The deliberate spread of lies and conspiracies creates confusion and hampers the public's ability to make informed decisions. This not only affects the climate movement but also has wider implications for the health of democracies worldwide. Taking action against climate denial is not just about addressing the climate crisis, but also about ensuring the integrity of democratic systems and protecting society from the harmful effects of disinformation.
"It is vital that those advocating for action to avert climate disaster take note of this substantial shift from denial of anthropogenic climate change to undermining trust in both solutions and science itself, and shift our focus, our resources and our counternarratives accordingly."
In the introduction to a new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate US/UK, founder and CEO Imran Ahmed makes the case that it's a new kind of climate denialism that is spreading so quickly on social platforms. Why? Not only is it due to the lack of content moderation from Big Tech companies and a willingness of cynical media personalities on these platforms to take up the denier mantle, but also an economic incentive structure for content creators that supports misinformation. Imran Ahmed joins the show this week to discuss The New Climate Denial: How social media platforms and content producers profit by spreading new forms of climate denial? and how social media platforms and legislators can help stop the dominance of misinformation online and what could happen if we don't.
As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com. Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group.
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