The Social Chemist

The Weaponization of Disinformation & Its Assault on Democracy w/ Barbara McQuade

6 snips
Feb 9, 2025
Barbara McQuade, a legal analyst for NBC News and former U.S. Attorney, dives deep into the alarming rise of disinformation under Trump. She connects historical propaganda tactics to modern strategies that threaten democracy. The conversation covers political polarization, the influence of government on social media during the pandemic, and the normalization of extremism. McQuade also emphasizes the necessity of bridging political divides through real-life interactions and highlights the importance of critical thinking in navigating today's complex information environment.
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INSIGHT

Technology and Tribalism Amplify Disinformation

  • Technology allows instant anonymous spread of disinformation to millions without verification.
  • Tribalism entrenches people into polarized camps, undermining compromise and better societal outcomes.
INSIGHT

Why the Big Lie Persists

  • The "big lie" works by being so bold people find it hard to believe anyone would fabricate it.
  • Repeated in echo chambers, such lies gain perceived credibility despite lack of evidence.
ANECDOTE

Tribal Instincts in Sports and Politics

  • Sports fans show tribal behavior in disputes over calls, sometimes booing even when replays confirm an unfavorable decision.
  • This instinct to defend one's side also reflects how political tribes adopt and defend disinformation.
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