Consider This from NPR The Growing Threat Of Disinformation And How To 'Deprogram' People Who Believe It
Mar 2, 2021
Tovia Smith, an NPR correspondent, dives deep into the escalating problem of disinformation, especially how it has permeated politics and public health in recent years. She explores the rise of social media as a catalyst for spreading false narratives, emphasizing its impact from the 2020 election to conspiracy theories. The conversation also unveils the compassionate techniques used in deprogramming individuals who believe these misleading ideas, highlighting the importance of trust-building in addressing societal divisions caused by misinformation.
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Shasta County Disruptions
- Shasta County Supervisor meetings now last six hours due to disruption from constituents.
- Constituents are fueled by online disinformation, leading to threats and resignations.
Disinformation's Broad Impact
- Disinformation affects not just the pandemic but also voting procedures.
- Conspiracy theories drive policy changes like stricter voting laws, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups.
Disinformation's Spread
- Disinformation spreads rapidly online, fueled by social media's preference for sensational content.
- Conspiracy theories, unlike often-boring truths, thrive in this environment, leading to real-world dangers like the January 6th attack.