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The Cognitive Crucible

#208 Rand Waltzman on Disinformation 101

Nov 20, 2024
Rand Waltzman, an Adjunct Senior Information Scientist at the RAND Corporation with 40 years of experience in AI, dives deep into the nuances of disinformation. He introduces the Disinformation 101 series, aimed at empowering individuals against false narratives. The discussion highlights tactics of disinformation, including cognitive denial of service, and underscores the need for critical thinking. Waltzman emphasizes individual responsibility in combating misinformation and the complexities of conspiracy beliefs, advocating for a proactive approach in the digital age.
41:29

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Individuals must prioritize their own cognitive security and actively engage in challenging misinformation to foster societal improvements.
  • The Disinformation 101 series educates people on recognizing psychological manipulation tactics through new media, essential for vulnerability mitigation.

Deep dives

The Importance of Self-Reliance in Cognitive Security

In the current global environment, individuals must prioritize their own cognitive security, as no external entity is likely to provide help. A sense of realism is emphasized, asserting that each person should view themselves as an independent agent responsible for their own understanding and resilience against misinformation. This approach calls for individuals to take a proactive stance, asserting that true change starts at the grassroots level, where engaged citizens actively challenge prevailing narratives. By fostering a culture of skepticism and critical thinking, there's hope that community and societal improvements will follow suit.

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