Hani Farid, a professor specializing in detecting manipulated media, dives deep into the tangled web of misinformation. He discusses how early tech company decisions shaped a new media landscape prioritizing engagement over truth. The rise of conspiracy theories and the 'Sharpie Gate' incident during the 2020 election exemplify the trust crisis in democracy. Farid also addresses the outrage economy, where emotional manipulation is used by politicians, and emphasizes the need for constructive engagement to combat societal divisions.
The early choices of tech companies to prioritize emotional engagement over factual accuracy dramatically fueled the spread of misinformation online.
Outrage as a political tool has intensified societal divisions by fostering group identities and undermining trust in traditional institutions.
Deep dives
Mapping Disaster Response
In response to the 2012 wildfire in Boulder, Colorado, efforts were made to map social media posts to aid in disaster relief. This initiative involved creating a social media map that indicated who required assistance, where donations could be made, and who was injured. This project highlighted the positive aspects of human behavior during crises, showcasing community resilience and generosity amidst chaos. However, as subsequent disasters unfolded, a concerning rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories became evident, complicating the information landscape.
The Rise of Disinformation
The combination of technological advancement and human psychology contributed to an environment ripe for the spread of disinformation. After witnessing horrific events such as the mass shooting in Oregon and attacks in Paris, researchers identified a network of groups propagating conspiracy theories online. This network included gun rights activists, white nationalists, and foreign entities, all working to amplify false narratives. This marked a shift from studying positive human behaviors to examining how misinformation could be weaponized to deepen societal divides.
The Impact of Algorithm-Driven Media
The evolution of social media platforms, specifically Facebook and its use of engagement-driven algorithms, significantly altered the information landscape. This shift prioritized content that elicited strong emotional reactions, leading to the promotion of outrageous and harmful information over factual reporting. The relentless pursuit of engagement created a feedback loop where sensational content gained traction, thereby amplifying divisions within society. As a result, misinformation polluted the information ecosystem, undermining public trust in reliable sources.
Outrage as a Tool for Political Mobilization
Outrage has emerged as a powerful force in mobilizing political action, creating a sense of group identity and moral superiority among individuals. By portraying opposing groups as threats, political entities utilize outrage to foster engagement and rally support. This emotional mobilization can sever connections to previously respected institutions, leading to a crisis of trust in media and governance. The ramifications are significant, pushing societies further into polarized environments where misinformation thrives and divisive narratives dominate.
In the early 2000s, key tech companies made a series of choices that shaped the future of the internet. They "gave away"" their products "for free." From an initial tweak to Facebook's NewsFeed to conspiracy theories about permanent markers in the 2020 election, that decision — and the relentless hunt for engagement that followed — paved the way for outrage-fueled content, viral conspiracy theories, and polarizing misinformation. And it all supercharged a right-wing media bubble inflated by the same forces.
Part Two of "Landslide: Engines of Outrage" explores how the internet, profit motives, human psychology, and political benefit are fusing together to widen our political divide.