Studying online bad behavior was hard. It's going to get harder in Trump 2.0
Dec 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Renee DiResta, an academic and researcher at Georgetown, specializes in online abuse and disinformation. She shares her experiences with harassment while studying the 'Stop the Steal' movement. The conversation highlights the rising challenges of content moderation as political dynamics shift, especially with Trump back in the spotlight. DiResta warns of a chilling effect on research and the importance of transparency in combating misinformation. She also humorously reflects on what not to do when appearing on popular podcasts.
Renee DiResta's experience researching online misinformation has highlighted a chilling effect on social media research that threatens open discourse.
The podcast discusses the dual challenges platforms face in moderating content while balancing user safety and free speech expectations.
Emerging social media platforms reflect a user-driven shift towards moderation styles that align more closely with individual values and community preferences.
Deep dives
Deployment of WatsonX in Diverse Environments
WatsonX enables the deployment of AI across various environments such as cloud, on-premises, and edge computing, catering to specific needs in different sectors. In aviation, AI assists pilots with navigation, enhancing safety and efficiency in air travel. Meanwhile, in corporate settings, it automates routine tasks for employees, increasing productivity and allowing them to focus on higher-value activities. Additionally, remote bank tellers utilize WatsonX to improve customer service and provide personalized support, demonstrating the versatility of AI in real-world applications.
Challenges of Content Moderation
Content moderation is facing significant scrutiny as major platforms like Facebook and Twitter grapple with balancing free speech and user safety. The conversational exploration highlights real-world implications of moderation decisions, as researchers and academics like Renee DiResta face harassment and legal action as a consequence of their work. This dynamic illustrates how opinions on content policies evolve, with public pressure often compelling platforms to adapt their approaches. The discussion emphasizes the complexities of maintaining platform integrity while navigating the criticisms from varying political perspectives.
Repercussions of Misinformation
The conversation reveals the dangers associated with the propagation of misinformation, especially regarding election integrity, which has transformed into a political weapon rather than a genuine concern. Renee DiResta's research on adversarial narratives indicates that misinformation campaigns often serve to galvanize political movements rather than drive factual discourse. The coverage further touches upon the societal repercussions of misinformation, especially regarding vulnerable populations misled by false claims. This underscores the necessity for vigilant research and public education initiatives to combat lasting misinformation effects.
The Future of Social Media and Content Moderation
As the landscape of social media evolves, the conversation notes a noticeable shift toward user preference for moderation styles that align with their values. New platforms like Threads and Blue Sky are emerging, offering users alternatives that allow for more personalized content curation and engagement. This trend suggests that users are prioritizing community-driven experiences in their online interactions, moving away from traditional platforms perceived as hostile or overly moderated. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness to cultivate user trust and ensure robust digital environments.
Historical Parallels and Chilling Effects
Renee draws parallels between contemporary investigations into online interference and historical events such as McCarthyism, signaling a troubling trend toward scapegoating researchers and academics. Her experiences with harassment and legal challenges highlight the chilling effect these dynamics can have on open discourse and scientific inquiry. By revealing the institutional responses to politically charged narratives, the conversation underscores the risk of stifling critical research and public engagement. The need for solid support systems within academic and civil entities is highlighted to encourage robust debate while safeguarding against authoritarian backlash.
You probably shouldn't know Renee DiResta's name: She's a researcher who studies online bad behavior, not a celebrity. But the work DiReata did studying the "stop the steal" movement after 2020 has made her famous in some corners of the internet, and not in a good way: She's been harassed, pelted with subpoenas and sued twice.
Now things could get really unpleasant for her.
Donald Trump's victory means that a lot of people who have target dDiResta in the past are newly ascendant. But she tells me she's more worried about a chilling effect that could hamper anyone who's trying to learn about, and fix social media's ills. Also discussed here: what not to do when you go on Joe Rogan.
