Conspirituality Brief: Anti-Social Media (w/Renee Diresta)
12 snips
Feb 1, 2025 
In this discussion, digital disinformation expert Renee Diresta dives into the shifting landscape of social media amid political tensions. She unpacks how platforms like Meta, X, and TikTok are aligning with MAGA ideologies, questioning the balance between censorship and free speech. Renee shares personal insights on past censorship, comparing it to today's challenges in content moderation. The conversation also highlights the impact of propaganda and the evolution of internet design towards decentralized user control.
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Julian's Background
- Julian Walker grew up in apartheid South Africa with government censorship and religious restrictions.
- This shaped his initial view of free speech limitations as right-wing repression.
Internet's Evolution
- The internet and social media initially seemed to promote free speech and marginalized communities.
- However, their evolution created new challenges like algorithmic sorting and political manipulation.
Jawboning
- Jawboning is when the government pressures companies to act in certain ways without legal basis.
- It's an informal pressure tactic, and according to Renee DiResta, it's harmful.
