In this engaging discussion, Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, dives into the pervasive issue of disinformation, especially as the 2024 election looms. She highlights the unique challenges faced by Black communities and the role of social media in spreading falsehoods. Esosa shares her journey from finance to grassroots activism, emphasizing the urgency of combating misleading narratives. They also discuss how AI both aids and fights disinformation, stressing the need for diverse media sources to enhance news literacy and community trust.
Disinformation, especially as it pertains to Black communities, requires targeted strategies to empower voters and promote informed decision-making.
Improving media literacy and fostering open discussions are essential for combating misinformation and building a more discerning public.
Deep dives
Impact of Misinformation and Disinformation
Misinformation and disinformation have become pervasive issues in contemporary society, particularly influencing the political landscape. Misinformation involves the unintentional sharing of incorrect information, while disinformation is the intentional spread of falsehoods aimed at deceiving others. High-profile examples, such as the doctored video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, underscore the serious implications these forms of information can have on public perception and political polarization. This phenomenon has intensified with social media, where the rapid spread of misleading content can distort reality and undermine public trust.
The Role of Social Media in Content Manipulation
Social media platforms significantly contribute to the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation by prioritizing engagement over accuracy. Algorithms designed to promote content that generates high engagement inadvertently amplify misleading or harmful posts, complicating the distinction between credible news and false narratives. As misinformation spreads, it often creates an environment of distrust, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to navigate and discern reliable information. This trend poses serious risks, especially in crucial areas such as public health and election integrity.
Combating Disinformation in Black Communities
The origin story of Ahsosa Osa reveals her commitment to combating disinformation targeting Black communities through her organization, Onyx Impact. Recognizing a lack of focus on this demographic within the broader fight against misinformation, she founded the nonprofit to empower and educate Black voters. By mapping the disinformation landscape and providing strategic guidance, Onyx Impact aims to mitigate damage and promote informed decision-making within these communities. Osa emphasizes that addressing these issues requires sustained effort, as disinformation will not disappear but is likely to become more complex and insidious.
Community Engagement and Media Literacy
Improving media literacy and fostering open discussions around misinformation are crucial strategies for addressing its harmful effects. Engaging with family members or friends who share misleading information starts with building understanding and shared values, rather than confrontation. Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking can facilitate these conversations and promote a culture of questioning sources. In addition, diversifying one's media consumption and supporting Black media are vital steps to create a more informed public resistant to the allure of disinformation.
Disinformation touches all of us, and more often than we think. Stacey is joined by Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, to talk about how acute the issue is and how to stop bad information from spreading—online and even in your family’s group chat.
We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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