Big Technology Podcast Is Social Media Making Our Society Stupid? — With Jonathan Haidt
Jul 20, 2022
Jonathan Haidt, a professor of ethical leadership at NYU and author of "The Coddling of the American Mind," dives deep into the impact of social media on societal intelligence. He discusses how digital platforms have fueled political dysfunction, echo chambers, and radicalization, dubbing them responsible for our 'structural stupidity.' Haidt critically evaluates the state of contemporary discourse, the challenges of accountability, and explores remedies to combat negativity in online interactions. His insights shed light on the fine balance between technology and society.
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Structural Stupidity
- Social media has fostered "structural stupidity" in society, even if individuals aren't getting less intelligent.
- This stupidity stems from a chilling effect on discourse where challenging prevailing narratives leads to severe social consequences.
Progressive Activists' Influence
- Progressive activists, though a minority, heavily influence social media discourse due to their high engagement.
- This small, highly active group wields significant power in shaping narratives and driving online conversations.
The Retweet's Unintended Consequences
- The retweet button's invention unintentionally weaponized social media.
- What was meant to amplify marginalized voices now fuels harassment and outrage.
