In this engaging discussion, journalist Stephen Harrison examines how authoritarian governments view Wikipedia as a threat. He analyzes the platform's role in shaping reliable information against rising misinformation. Meanwhile, Kyle Chayka offers insights into the joys of internet creativity, challenging social media's algorithm-driven culture. They explore navigating platforms like TikTok and the way users can foster genuine community engagement. With candid anecdotes, they urge listeners to support individual creators and think critically about the content they consume.
UbuWeb's revival illustrates the power of digital archiving as resistance against authoritarian control and cultural erasure.
Prominent disinformation campaigns linked to authoritarian regimes reveal the ongoing battle for information integrity and its impact on public perception.
Wikipedia's community-driven model serves as a vital tool for challenging misinformation, promoting diverse perspectives, and enhancing media literacy.
Deep dives
The Return of UbuWeb and Digital Archiving
UbuWeb, a digital archive known for hosting avant-garde and subversive content, has made a comeback after temporarily going into read-only mode in 2024. This site advocates for digital archiving as a form of resistance against authoritarian control and cultural erasure, urging users to engage in preservation efforts. By promoting access to marginalized forms of expression, UbuWeb highlights the importance of maintaining a diverse cultural memory in the face of potential suppression. Its revival emphasizes the significance of independent and alternative sources of knowledge in the current digital landscape.
Disinformation Campaigns Emerge
Recent investigations have uncovered two prominent disinformation campaigns with ties to authoritarian regimes. One campaign involves bots linked to the Doppelganger intrusion set, which creates fake news sites that mimic genuine sources, while the other, led by the pro-Russia network Pravda, spreads anti-Ukraine sentiment across a vast array of poorly designed websites. These campaigns reveal the ongoing battle over information integrity and underscore concerns about how false narratives can shape public perception in various regions. The implications of these orchestrated efforts raise alarms about the erosion of truthful discourse in both digital and traditional media.
Wikipedia Under Threat from Authoritarian Forces
Wikipedia has become a target for authoritarian governments due to its role as a repository of knowledge that often contradicts state-sanctioned narratives. Countries like China, Russia, and Iran have imposed restrictions or complete blocks on the site to control the information accessible to their populations. The platform's commitment to providing verified and cited information challenges repressive regimes that rely on misinformation to maintain power. The discussion surrounding Wikipedia's significance highlights its function as a potential tool for resistance and its vital role in promoting informational integrity.
The Evolving Landscape of Online Fun
The conversation shifts to the changing dynamics of having fun on the internet, particularly as traditional social media platforms become increasingly less enjoyable and more algorithm-driven. Users are encouraged to take control of their online experiences by seeking out niche content and engaging with creators directly instead of relying on platforms' algorithms. New platforms and content-sharing models are emerging, allowing for more personalized engagement with creators, driving a shift away from mass recognition towards smaller, more dedicated communities. This evolution suggests a growing desire for authentic interactions over superficial metrics of popularity.
The Role of Wikipedia in Knowledge Production
Wikipedia is discussed as a modern model for knowledge production, contrasting sharply with traditional authoritative sources. Its community-driven, volunteer-based model allows for dynamic content management where inaccuracies are actively corrected by users. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility among editors, promoting a diverse range of perspectives and information quality. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding Wikipedia's editorial practices as a means of challenging misinformation and enhancing media literacy.
Mike talks with Stephen Harrison about why authoritarian governments hate Wikipedia and Georgia talks with Kyle Chayka about how to have fun on the internet. Also: Kidpix!
Never Post’s producers are Audrey Evans, Georgia Hampton and The Mysterious Dr. Firstname Lastname. Our senior producer is Hans Buetow. Our executive producer is Jason Oberholtzer. The show’s host is Mike Rugnetta.
Oh! to be almost loquacious
Rather than fatally over
loquacity’s edge
Excerpt of #36 the-faux-ailing-abacus by Wayne Koestenbuam
Never Post is a production of Charts & Leisure
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