On the Media
How Hank Green Makes the Truth Go Viral. Plus, the Escape Fantasies of the Uber Rich.
Nov 23, 2024
Hank Green, a science communicator and YouTuber known for SciShow, discusses his methods for making the truth go viral. He shares insights on audience connection and the challenges of misinformation. Renée DiResta, an expert on online manipulation, uncovers how influencers reshape media dynamics in today's news landscape. Douglas Rushkoff delves into the surreal survival fantasies of tech billionaires, critiquing their isolation and exploring the implications of wealth disparity in a potential dystopian future.
50:27
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Quick takeaways
- The shift towards influencers as primary news sources reflects a growing distrust in traditional media, leading to systemic changes in information dissemination.
- Hank Green emphasizes the importance of connecting authentically with audiences to make factual information resonate and go viral.
Deep dives
The Rise of Influencers as Media Power Brokers
Social media has changed the landscape of news consumption, with many Americans now relying on influencers for information rather than traditional media outlets. Studies show that approximately 20% of Americans, and 37% of adults under 30, get their news from these content creators, many of whom lack formal journalistic training. This shift is partly due to a perception that influencers appear more trustworthy and less compromised than legacy news organizations. Consequently, there is a need to reevaluate how we understand the influence and effect these new media personalities have on public opinion and discourse.
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