Alexis Ohanian and Deb Roy on Big Tech’s Effects on Democracy
Oct 26, 2023
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Join Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and venture capitalist, alongside Deb Roy, MIT professor and director of the Center for Constructive Communication, as they delve into the pressing challenges democracy faces from Big Tech. They discuss the evolution of Reddit and advocate for a shift towards constructive digital engagement. The duo critiques the internet’s advertising-driven business model, explores misinformation's grip on public discourse, and examines how tech platforms can encourage authentic interactions in our increasingly fragmented online world.
Big tech platforms have gamified the worst parts of human nature, leading to unintended consequences in elections and democracies.
Creating online spaces with well-marked thresholds is crucial for fostering authentic conversations and common ground.
The unaccountable power held by big tech companies calls for regulation and the rise of more thoughtful CEOs, as well as the demand for alternative platforms to drive meaningful change.
Deep dives
The Power of Social Media and Its Impact on Democracy
The podcast episode discusses the impact of big tech on democracy, focusing on conversations with Alexis Ohanian and Deb Roy. Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, reflects on the unintended consequences of creating a platform that influenced elections and democracies. He acknowledges the power of social media in gamifying the worst parts of human nature and the challenges of combating misinformation. Roy, a professor at MIT, emphasizes the need for scalable networks that prioritize authentic conversations and personal experiences. Both guests express concern about the dominance and unaccountability of big tech, calling for alternative platforms and individual action to drive change.
The Need to Address the Intimacy Gradient in Online Communities
The conversation explores the concept of an intimacy gradient, drawing parallels between physical space design and network architecture. Roy highlights the importance of creating spaces with well-marked thresholds, allowing for different levels of privacy and interaction. They discuss the impact of removing intimacy gradients on social media platforms, leading to disruptive behavior and extreme viewpoints gaining traction. Both guests stress the need for networks that strike a balance between private and public spaces, fostering authentic conversations and common ground.
Challenges of Social Media Misinformation and AI-generated Content
The podcast delves into the challenges posed by misinformation and AI-generated content. Ohanian reflects on his experience encountering denial of the Armenian genocide on Reddit, realizing the limitations of an open platform and the difficulty in resolving truth versus falsehoods. Roy encourages the exploration of alternative platforms that prioritize accurate information and create networks where authentic stories and experiences are valued. They both emphasize the urgency of addressing these challenges and the potential benefits of building better online spaces.
Unaccountable Power of Big Tech and the Need for Change
The conversation delves into the unaccountable power held by big tech companies, particularly in relation to their impact on democracy. Ohanian suggests that CEOs running these platforms have become de facto dictators without democratic accountability. They discuss the need for regulation and legal pressure to ensure accountability. Roy expresses hope in the rise of a new generation of CEOs who are more thoughtful and aware of the consequences of their platforms. They emphasize the importance of collective action and the demand for alternative platforms to drive meaningful change.
Hope for the Future and the Role of Individuals
The podcast concludes with a sense of hope for the future, acknowledging the growing awareness of the problems associated with social media and the demand for change. Ohanian and Roy discuss the importance of taking individual action to shape the online landscape, building networks that prioritize authenticity, empathy, and respect. They highlight the need for continued innovation and critical thinking to create platforms that foster genuine engagement and connection in the digital realm.
Democracy is challenged, at home and abroad, and at least some of this blame falls on “Big Tech.” Kara talks to Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and venture capitalist, and Deb Roy, the director of the MIT Center for Constructive Communication, about how we got here and what some potential solutions are. Stick around after the interview to hear Kara and Nayeema discuss the ethics of stapling bread to trees.
This episode was recorded live at the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute for Democracy’s Democracy 360 event on October 17th.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza
