

Engines of Outrage Pt. 4
7 snips Feb 27, 2025
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.
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MrBeast and Algorithmic Escalation
- Mr. Beast's videos exemplify the internet's escalating nature.
- He continually tops previous videos with increasingly extravagant stunts, embodying the 'do more' algorithm.
Evolution of Journalism
- Journalism has shifted from reporting just facts to providing context and challenging authority.
- This change was influenced by cultural shifts and audience demand for deeper understanding.
Disintermediation of News
- A ProPublica investigative story on militias was aggregated by a YouTube influencer, The Midas Touch.
- Viewers thanked the influencer for the reporting, highlighting the disconnect between original reporting and online consumption.