Landslide Engines of Outrage Pt. 2
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Feb 13, 2025 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.
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Social Media in Disasters
- Kate Starbird used social media maps during the 2012 Colorado wildfires to connect people with resources.
- She later observed a rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding disasters like mass shootings.
Erosion of Trust
- Hani Farid highlights the danger of widespread misinformation.
- Believing false information erodes trust in vital institutions like media, science, and government.
The Original Sin of the Internet
- Early internet companies like Facebook and Google adopted ad-driven models due to consumer hesitancy with online payments.
- This model prioritized attention, inadvertently promoting outrageous and engaging content.