In this discussion, media historian Matt Pressman sheds light on the evolution of journalism and its impact on polarization. He explores how modern internet dynamics trap users in personalized echo chambers, leading to emotional responses and confirmation biases. The conversation covers the decline of traditional newsrooms and the rise of investigative journalism influenced by online platforms. Pressman urges listeners to examine their media consumption habits and promotes critical engagement with diverse perspectives to combat misinformation.
The internet traps users in personalized information bubbles, leading to increased polarization and diminishing engagement with diverse viewpoints.
Content creators are under pressure to continuously escalate their output for relevance, resulting in a culture dominated by sensationalism and shallow engagement with complex issues.
Deep dives
The Impact of Internet Algorithms
The internet has fundamentally transformed how content creators, like Mr. Beast, engage with audiences, often pushing them to continuously escalate their output to stay relevant. The example of Mr. Beast counting to a million illustrates how such viral content leads to a cycle of ever-increasing demands for novelty and engagement. Creators are thus caught in a relentless pursuit to top their previous successes, which can significantly alter their approach to content creation. This competitive environment affects both the creators and the viewers, contributing to a broader culture where sensationalism reigns and deep engagement with nuanced topics wanes.
Shifts in Journalistic Integrity
The evolution of journalism over the decades has seen a marked change from merely reporting facts to a more investigative approach, highlighting the necessity of context and accountability. An example from the 1970s, where the New York Times delved into police corruption, showcases how journalists began questioning authority rather than just relaying information. This shift reflects a growing public demand for more in-depth analysis of events rather than the traditional four W's of news reporting. Nevertheless, as the media landscape is increasingly influenced by the internet, many traditional outlets face challenges in maintaining journalistic quality and integrity amid pressure for engagement-driven content.
Navigating the Justification Machine
The internet operates as a 'justification machine,' where users selectively consume information that conforms to their existing beliefs, often ignoring opposing views. This phenomenon was notably observed following the events of January 6, 2021, when individuals sought to rationalize their perceptions of the Capitol riot in ways that fit their narratives. It highlights the cognitive bias where people are more inclined to amplify information that aligns with their views rather than critically evaluate conflicting evidence. Addressing this challenge requires cultivating intellectual humility, where individuals acknowledge the possibility of being wrong and actively seek out diverse perspectives, thereby fostering healthier engagement with information.
How does the internet work to polarize us on an individual level?
As tech and media companies, battle for online engagement, they feed their users — they feed us — content that will grab attention, elicit emotion, and confirm existing beliefs. In a way, it traps everyone in their own bespoke bubble, often without our realizing it.
After previous episodes analyzed the right-wing media ecosystem, Landslide: Engines of Outrage now turns to look outside of it, offering tools for all of us to diagnose our own information diets and fight back against the incentives of an internet built to polarize.