Landslide
Engines of Outrage Pt. 2
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.
30:13
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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