New Discourses We Are the Fake News Now
Feb 5, 2025
Dive into the deceptive world of social media, where propaganda and disinformation reign. Explore how political manipulation shapes public opinion, particularly by foreign entities using bots and fake accounts. Unravel the constructed nature of hot-button debates like the H-1B controversy and the irony of influencers claiming censorship. The discussion highlights the urgent need for transparency regarding platform moderation and the financial incentives driving political narratives. Approach online content with a critical eye to see through the illusion.
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Social Media's Fakeness
- Social media is largely fake and functions as a propaganda battleground.
- Users are constantly exposed to agitprop from various sources, including governments and advertisers.
Foreign Influence
- Foreign governments manipulate social media with extensive propaganda campaigns.
- Extremist content often originates from hostile actors seeking to destabilize target countries.
China's Influence Campaign Budget
- China invests heavily in social media influence campaigns, as revealed by Frank Gaffney.
- Their annual budget for such operations aimed at Western nations is $16 billion.