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.

Renee Diresta, an expert in disinformation, discusses her book 'Invisible Rulers' and the challenges of combating misinformation. The podcast explores the blurred lines between commentary and journalism in the age of social media, the dangers of disinformation, the influence of narratives on controlling information, and the evolution of media technology impacting society.

Renee Diresta, a former Stanford Internet Observatory Research Director and author of 'Invisible Rulers,' delves into the world of disinformation and its emotional underpinnings. She discusses the urgent need for timely analysis to tackle online misinformation, especially related to COVID-19 and the 2020 election. Diresta emphasizes how humor can undermine divisive narratives and explores the challenges faced by researchers combating falsehoods in a politically charged environment. The conversation highlights the potential for lightheartedness to influence serious discourse.