Documenting the Assault on Disinformation and Hate Speech Research
Nov 24, 2024
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Philip M. Napoli, an expert in media policy at Duke University, dives into the troubling landscape of disinformation research in this discussion. He unveils the concerted efforts by political forces to undermine research on propaganda. Napoli explains agnotology, highlighting how misinformation flourished post-2016 election. The conversation touches on the evolving risks for researchers and the need for accountability among platforms. He also calls for balanced regulations to protect free speech while addressing the challenges posed by digital misinformation.
The podcast highlights a strategic effort by political entities to undermine disinformation research, labeling it as politically motivated to stifle legitimate inquiry.
It discusses agnotology and how certain interests manipulate ignorance about disinformation to control narratives and challenge credible research.
Deep dives
The Political Assault on Research
The analysis of over 1,800 pages of documents reveals a targeted effort to undermine research on disinformation and hate speech, particularly in relation to the campaign waged by certain government entities. These entities have been scrutinizing researchers who assemble data about online misinformation, often labeling their findings as politically motivated or even fraudulent. This politicization creates an environment where academic inquiries into critical societal issues become suspect, stifling legitimate research that can inform public discourse. Researchers have reported increased hostility, including threats and attempts to damage their careers, simply for conducting investigations that reveal uncomfortable truths.
Historical Context of Media Research
Understanding the current landscape of media research requires recognizing its historically charged nature. The roots of media research can be traced back to responses against propaganda during World War II and the Cold War, where the need for credible information was paramount. Over time, the prioritization of study results and the commissioning of research have led to contentious debates over media ownership and its control. The current cycle, especially post-2016 election, signifies a turbulent period where research has increasingly become embroiled in partisan politics, leading to manipulated narratives around truth and accountability.
Agnotology and the Construction of Ignorance
The concept of agnotology, or the social construction of ignorance, plays a crucial role in understanding how misinformation is propagated and maintained. Historical examples, such as the tobacco industry's efforts to obscure the health risks associated with smoking, demonstrate how certain groups can strategically cultivate ignorance as part of their agendas. Recent activities show a similar approach from certain political and corporate interests aiming to discredit legitimate disinformation research while reinforcing their narratives. This manipulation not only undermines research credibility but also presents significant challenges in promoting informed public discourse and media literacy.
During his recent campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made various promises consistent with the ongoing effort by Elon Musk and MAGA Republicans to target researchers and civil society groups that study issues such as propaganda and mis- and disinformation.
Today's guest has looked deeply at this effort, conducting an analysis of over 1800 pages of primary documents to identify the strategic approaches employed by these parties, including the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, and the outcomes and broader democratic implications of the campaign. Philip M. Napoli is the James R. Shepley Professor of Public Policy, the Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy, and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research for the Sanford School at Duke University. His findings are published in a new paperThe Information Society titled "In pursuit of ignorance: The institutional assault on disinformation and hate speech research."
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