The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart Trending Towards Violence with Charlie Warzel
131 snips
Sep 18, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the Galaxy Brain newsletter, delves into how online algorithms manipulate public reactions to violence. He reveals how social platforms reward extreme responses, turning tragedy into a spectacle. Warzel explores radicalization within niche online communities and suggests interventions to curb violence, including media practices that avoid glorifying perpetrators. Their conversation sheds light on the dark side of engagement-driven technology and its real-world consequences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Predictable Performative Cycle
- Social media turns real-time tragedies into predictable, performative cycles that participants learn to game for attention.
- Charlie Warzel argues these platforms make events fit ideological boxes instantly, accelerating polarization.
Slot-Machine Attention Loop
- Algorithms use intermittent rewards like a slot machine to pull users into repeated attention-seeking behavior.
- Warzel says this changes incentives and often turns people into worse versions of themselves.
Regulate With Tech Literacy
- Regulators and lawmakers must act faster and learn platform mechanics to keep pace with tech changes.
- Charlie Warzel says understanding algorithms and reach is critical before crafting policy.