The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
How Algorithms, Money, & Bureaucracy Distance us from Democracy
Oct 3, 2024
Ezra Klein, an opinion columnist for The New York Times and author of "Why We're Polarized," joins Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, to dissect how algorithms and financial influences skew public discourse. They explore the rise of populism and its disconnect from actual government policies, emphasizing how social media fuels fragmentation and conspiracy theories. The conversation sheds light on the challenges posed by technology to democracy and proposes systemic changes for healthier public engagement.
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Quick takeaways
- Engagement-driven metrics and algorithms in social media distort public discourse, fueling misinformation and societal divisions that hinder democracy.
- The influence of money in politics and weakened party dynamics contribute significantly to the rise of demagogues, mirroring historical threats to democracy.
Deep dives
Debate Reflections
The recent political debate showcased contrasting styles and substance between candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz. Vance managed to distance himself from his usual persona, while Walz maintained his characteristic approach. Observations highlighted the debate's substance overshadowed by misleading statements, with a call for more robust media interventions to fact-check public discourse. The expectation for exhilarating exchanges in debates seems unmet, revealing a cultural shift towards lesser dramatic confrontations.
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