Marketplace Tech Online coverage of anti-ICE protest split by political lenses
Jun 18, 2025
Renee DiResta, a Research Professor at Georgetown University, shares her insights on the online narratives surrounding anti-ICE protests. She highlights how social media creates polarized interpretations—some view the events as peaceful celebrations, while others see chaos. DiResta elaborates on the role of AI in spreading misinformation and complicating fact-checking. She emphasizes the importance of visual representation and transparency in tech to navigate the challenges of misinformation in today's media landscape.
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Polarized Social Media Realities
- Social media platforms are ideologically divided, influencing the news and rumors users see.
- Algorithms and social circles amplify sensational content, creating disparate realities based on political groups.
Narratives Shape Protest Perceptions
- Dominant narratives on platforms arise as users rally around sensational images or moments.
- These narratives vary by platform and influence perceptions of protests as chaotic or freedom-fighting.
AI Fuels Doubt Online
- AI-generated content complicates trust in online information, causing people to doubt what they see.
- This uncertainty makes discerning real from fake content more challenging in digital discourse.