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111: The Hidden Forces Driving Our Online Behavior, with Steve Rathje
Jul 23, 2024
Steve Rathje, a postdoctoral researcher at NYU specializing in social psychology and technology, discusses the interplay of social media and polarization. He reveals how negative online interactions boost engagement and explores the fluidity of group identities. The conversation dives into conformity's power, highlighting its effects on individual behavior. Rathje also addresses the pitfalls of short-form content in psychology education and the challenges of misinformation, emphasizing the importance of media literacy in today's complex digital landscape.
01:09:01
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Quick takeaways
- Misinformation spreads rapidly online due to social media algorithms prioritizing sensationalist content, exacerbating societal polarization and distorting reality.
- Group identity significantly influences individuals' beliefs and biases, often leading to the amplification of partisan messages and increased political division.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Misinformation in the Digital Age
In today’s digital landscape, misinformation spreads rapidly due to the algorithms of social media platforms that favor sensational and emotionally charged content over accuracy. This has created a climate where users often find it challenging to discern fact from fiction, leading to significant societal polarization. Research indicates that posts targeting political opponents are more likely to be shared widely, suggesting that outrage fuelled by outgroup animosity drives engagement more effectively than other types of information. Consequently, individuals may unwittingly contribute to a distorted perception of reality, as the visibility of extreme viewpoints overshadows more moderate or nuanced discussions.
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