TEASER - Dr. Emma Briant on Combating Disinformation
Dec 31, 2024
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In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Emma Briant, a leading expert on disinformation warfare and co-editor of The Routledge Handbook on the Influence Industry, shares her insights on misinformation's impact. She emphasizes the mental health benefits of staying off social media and advocates for digital literacy to combat disinformation. The conversation also delves into the influence of propaganda in education, urging awareness to protect democratic values, and critiques the role of cultural products like media in shaping political narratives.
Dr. Emma Briant emphasizes the interconnectedness of various industries in influencing public perception and spreading disinformation through coordinated campaigns.
Listeners are encouraged to cultivate digital literacy and engage with their communities offline to combat the mental health impacts of misinformation.
Deep dives
The Influence Industry's Impact
The podcast delves into the expansive influence industry, highlighting its role in shaping public perception and the news media. It explains how various sectors, such as marketing, lobbying, and public relations, have become intertwined and are often used in coordinated campaigns for information warfare. This interconnectedness allows wealthy individuals and organizations, not just nation-states, to manipulate narratives for their gain, exacerbating the spread of disinformation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding the mechanisms behind the information we consume, encouraging listeners to rethink their engagement with media in this complex landscape.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
The conversation addresses the changing nature of propaganda and the increasingly sophisticated methods of influence operation using data and social media. The influence of monetization on the production of disinformation is expressed, where the profit-driven model motivates the continuous refinement of deceptive content aimed at various audiences. Listeners are urged to cultivate digital literacy and mindfulness as protective measures against the overwhelming influx of misleading information. Acknowledging the emotional toll that this environment can exert on individuals, the importance of intentional media consumption and offline community engagement is advocated to preserve mental health.
Countering Disinformation Through Community Action
The podcast underscores the need for grassroots efforts and personal engagement as effective responses to disinformation rather than solely relying on social media responses. Practical suggestions include fostering community discussions and educating those around us to instill a reflective understanding of the complex media landscape. It also points out the current challenges within the education sector, where ideological manipulation threatens the integrity of academic settings. The dialogue emphasizes that creating a more inclusive and thoughtful cultural narrative is essential for combating misinformation and uniting communities for actionable change.
Our discussion was recorded at Monday's Gaslit Nation political salon with our Patreon community. Thank you to all who attended and asked great questions! To hear the full discussion, be sure to subscribe at the Truth-teller ($5/month) tier or higher on Patreon.com/Gaslit!
Gaslit Nation returns with all-new episodes on January 7th! We’re excited to continue this fight for truth and justice with you—together, we can plant the seeds of meaningful change. Democracy Defender ($10/month) and higher supporters, don’t forget to submit your questions for our upcoming bonus show Q&A!
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Can academic freedom survive Donald Trump’s plans for thought control? The president’s aim to remove power from universities and punish so-called “woke” ideology has chilling implications for free speech globally By Emma Briant https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2024/12/academic-freedom-survive-donald-trump-plans-thought-control-universities-colleges-education/
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