Robert Wright's Nonzero Elon, Trump, Fuentes: Bad Men or Trolls or Both? (Robert Wright & Paul Bloom)
Dec 17, 2025
In this conversation, psychologist Paul Bloom delves into the troubling behavior of figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He argues Musk's tweets amplify xenophobia, questioning if his actions stem from ignorance or trolling. Bloom also analyzes Trump's bizarre responses to public tragedies, highlighting the dangers of unchallenged rhetoric in modern media. The dynamic shifts to Nick Fuentes, where Bloom contrasts his messaging with other controversial figures and critiques Piers Morgan's interview style for failing to challenge deceptive narratives.
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How Short Tweets Fan Dangerous Conspiracies
- Elon Musk's terse replies can amplify conspiracies and lend momentum to dangerous false narratives.
- Robert Wright warns this fuels mutual escalation and societal breakdown by exaggerating persecution.
Selective Outrage Fuels Xenophobic Tropes
- Paul Bloom highlights Musk's pattern of amplifying crimes by disliked groups to foment xenophobia.
- He says selective broadcasting of crimes builds a trope of 'they're raping our women' that incites hate.
Motives Matter Less Than Effects
- Both hosts debate whether Musk's behavior reflects malice or epistemic blind spots and neurodivergence.
- They conclude that regardless of motive, the effect of spreading incendiary claims is harmful and consistent.