Journalist Brandy Zadrozny dives into anti-vaccine crusader RFK Jr. and the pipeline from moms to alt-right misinformation. The podcast also covers topics like child actors in dark TV shows, crunchy moms turning anti-vax, and the cancellation of an event honoring Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch.
Misinformation online feeds off a cycle of lies perpetuated by individuals and amplified by platforms.
Mothers can fall into the alt-right pipeline during pregnancy, seeking alternative narratives that reject mainstream medical advice.
Social media platforms serve as crucial channels for spreading misinformation to vulnerable mothers during critical life stages.
Deep dives
Patterns of Propagating Misinformation
The propagation of misinformation on the internet revolves around a cycle where a liar spreads false information online, leading people to believe and disseminate these lies further. The platforms, in turn, facilitate the spread of misinformation. Concerning health misinformation, examples like people believing the COVID vaccine would make them magnetic are indicative of the outlandish and dangerous falsehoods circulating.
Why Moms Fall Down the Alt-Right Pipeline
Moms may end up falling into the alt-right pipeline during pregnancy and childbirth due to a convergence of factors. The vulnerable time during pregnancy and birth, coupled with a desire to protect their child at all costs, can lead mothers to seek alternative narratives and reject established medical advice. The nurturing instinct and heightened anxiety of protecting a newborn can make them susceptible to anti-establishment, wellness-driven, and conspiratorial messages that resonate during this critical life stage.
Role of Social Media in Misinformation Circulation Among Moms
Social media platforms play a significant role in the dissemination of misinformation among new moms, particularly during vulnerable times like pregnancy and childbirth. These virtual communities serve as crucial support systems when seeking advice, validation, or connection. Moms often turn to online groups at odd hours for information, guidance, and comfort, especially when facing uncertainty, unconventional viewpoints, or reluctance to consult traditional experts.
Impact of Gaps in Women's Healthcare on Misinformation Vulnerability
Women experiencing crucial life stages like menopause or childbirth may encounter gaps in healthcare, contributing to vulnerability to misinformation. The lack of proper medical support in these transitional phases can lead individuals to seek alternative sources for guidance and information. Perimenopausal and menopausal women may face radicalization as a result of inadequate healthcare services, prompting them to explore unverified or misguided healthcare options online.
Rampant Health Misinformation on Social Media
The podcast episode discusses the challenges posed by rampant health misinformation on social media platforms, particularly targeting women. The episode highlights the lack of effective actions by platforms to curb such misinformation, leading to a call for healthcare professionals to engage actively by sharing accurate information. The discussion delves into the burden placed on healthcare professionals, who are seen as the frontline defense against misleading health content circulating online.
Extremist Rhetoric in Political Spaces
Another key point in the podcast revolves around the intertwining of extremist rhetoric with wellness spaces and its impact on women voters. The conversation touches on the concerning trend of extremist figures like RFK seamlessly integrating into the wellness sphere, spreading misinformation about crucial topics like childhood vaccinations. The narrative also explores the rising political influence of women, specifically those associated with the alt-right pipeline, emphasizing the need for vigilance and realignment of values to combat misleading narratives in the ever-evolving political landscape.
From Minnesota to Olivia Rodrigo’s concerts, Plan B is putting people in a tizzy; Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV proved to us that child acting shouldn’t be a thing; and more in news. Then, Brandy Zadrozny discusses anti-vaccine king RFK Jr. and the moms to alt-right misinformation pipeline. Finally, Sani-Petty (dirt makes the world go ‘round).
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
News— MAGA vs. everyone: What today’s primary will tell us about the state of the Republican Party [Politico 3/19] Medication Abortion Accounted for 63% of All US Abortions in 2023—An Increase from 53% in 2020 [Guttmacher.org 3/19] Appeals court rules in favor of woman turned away from pharmacy for emergency contraceptive [MPR News 3/18] Abortion Rights Groups Will No Longer Hand Out Emergency Contraceptives on Olivia Rodrigo’s Tour [Rolling Stone 3/15] Montana Supreme Court allows proposed abortion ballot measure to move forward [KTVH Montana 3/18] Arizona lawmaker who needs an abortion slams colleagues: 'This Legislature has failed the people' [AZ Central 3/18] Quiet on Set Shows the Darkest Side of Kids TV [Vulture 3/19]
Sani Petty— Controversial Ruth Bader Ginsburg event honoring Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch canceled [NY Daily News 3/19] Soil, the future of farming, policing avocados [Good Food]
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