Oh God, What Now? Has the Right conquered social media – and can the Left win it back?
Jan 17, 2025
Alan Finlayson, a Professor of Political and Social Theory at the University of East Anglia, sheds light on the Right's dominance over social media and its impact on political discourse. He discusses how the allure of radical right ideologies is gaining traction among younger generations, especially in the chaotic online landscape. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas for tech leaders amid rising extremism, the implications of AI on UK politics, and the shifting engagement dynamics within different demographics. A thought-provoking dive into digital politics and social change!
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Right-Wing Dominance on Social Media
- Social media’s algorithms incentivize engagement, favoring inflammatory content.
- The design of platforms, often competitive, contributes to this dynamic.
Platform Design and Algorithmic Bias
- Early social media platforms were designed with a competitive framework, rewarding engagement.
- This design, coupled with economic incentives, shifted algorithms towards attention-grabbing content.
Tech Leaders' Motivation
- Tech leaders often view themselves as world-changing figures, motivated by power and influence.
- This drive can lead them to align with figures like Trump, regardless of political ideology.