Max Fisher, a New York Times columnist and author of The Chaos Machine, delves into the profound impact of social media on our lives. He explores how algorithms have reshaped communication, sometimes inciting violence, and raising ethical questions about tech companies' responsibilities. Fisher discusses social media's dual nature, acting as a force for both activism and polarization. He also highlights concerning trends in child safety on platforms like YouTube, revealing the dark side of algorithm-driven content that exposes kids to inappropriate material.
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Sri Lanka Riots
Max Fisher initially underestimated social media's impact, viewing it as a neutral amplifier.
His perspective shifted after covering riots in Sri Lanka, where Facebook's algorithms seemed to fuel the conflict.
insights INSIGHT
Majoritarian Platforms
Social media platforms are inherently majoritarian, designed to appeal to the largest audience.
This can be dangerous for minorities, as algorithms amplify majoritarian sentiments and grievances.
insights INSIGHT
Exploiting Human Nature
Social media algorithms exploit human nature's flaws, amplifying base impulses like mob violence and racism.
This is driven by the platforms' need to maximize engagement and profit.
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The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World
Max Fisher
Building on years of international reporting, Max Fisher tells the gripping story of how Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social networks preyed on psychological frailties to create algorithms that drive users to extreme opinions and actions. The book explores how the companies' founding tenets and focus on maximizing engagement have led to a destabilized world, marked by increasing social and political polarization, misinformation, and violence. Fisher also highlights the stories of heroic outsiders and Silicon Valley defectors who raised alarms about these issues.
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How does more time spent online result in more havoc and social unrest in the world? In just two decades, social media and its addictive components have changed society in unfathomable ways; how we communicate with one another, how we receive our news, how our societies function and how our societies break down. In this episode Max Fisher, New York Times columnist and author of The Chaos Machine, explores how we have been rewired by algorithms which claim to know us better than we know ourselves. Host for this discussion is technology journalist Chris Stokel-Walker.
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