Techdirt The Political Power Of Mockery
Jun 17, 2025
Ben Collins, CEO of Global Tetrahedron and former journalist known for covering myths and disinformation, delves into the power of mockery in today’s political climate. He discusses how humor serves as a crucial tool against misinformation and censorship. Collins also shares insights from his journey leading The Onion, emphasizing the necessity of human creativity in satire. Additionally, he compares emerging social media platforms like Blue Sky with traditional ones, highlighting their potential for authenticity in communication.
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Ben Collins' Misinformation Beat
- Ben Collins started covering internet culture stories before waking up to the rise of weaponized misinformation.
- Being on this beat was harrowing as he witnessed disinformation get co-opted by political powers.
Buying and Reviving The Onion
- Ben Collins and others quickly acquired The Onion to preserve its satirical integrity.
- They revitalized it by returning to its newspaper roots and expanding authentic content.
The Onion’s Creative Rigour
- The Onion's satire success comes from a rigorous creative process that eliminates most drafts.
- They reject AI involvement in art to maintain authenticity and unique human creativity.
