Politics + Media 101
Stanford Internet Observatory's Renee DiResta on Virality, Information, and Trust on the Internet
Jan 12, 2022
In this insightful discussion, Renee DiResta, a technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory and a contributor for WIRED and The Atlantic, dives into the complex world of digital trust and viral misinformation. She explores how social media algorithms can shape public perception, especially regarding vaccines, and the regulatory challenges posed by automated accounts. DiResta also discusses innovative ideas like 'circuit breakers' to combat misinformation and the urgent need for diverse voices in a fragmented media landscape.
01:03:55
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Quick takeaways
- Renee DiResta underscores the critical need to understand the rapid spread of online information and its associated risks for society.
- She highlights the distinction between free speech and algorithmic amplification, emphasizing how algorithms can distort public discourse by elevating misleading content.
Deep dives
The Birth of the Stanford Internet Observatory
The Stanford Internet Observatory was established to examine the misuse of the Internet in real time, particularly focusing on digital trust and safety from a unique perspective in computer science. Renee DiResta, the technical research manager, emphasizes the growing need to understand how information spreads online and the potential risks involved. Her work began with analyzing vaccination data in California, which opened her eyes to the broader implications of online misinformation and the dynamics of digital communication. This foundational research laid the groundwork for addressing misinformation as a pressing societal issue, especially during health crises.
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