Renee DiResta

Renee DiResta and Carl Miller discuss the risks AI poses to elections. They explore deep fakes, combating hate speech and misinformation, accessing data for analysis, and the need for transparency from platforms. Implementing digital morality blockouts and circuit breakers is suggested to reduce negative engagement.

Renee DiResta, an academic and researcher specializing in online abuse and disinformation at Georgetown, dives deep into the evolving landscape of online speech and moderation. She shares insights on the challenges researchers face, likening current threats to McCarthyism. The discussion uncovers the implications of diminished moderation on public discourse, particularly leading into the 2024 Election. DiResta also highlights how foreign interference and the rise of peer-to-peer misinformation complicate trust in online platforms amidst heated political dynamics.

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, an expert on disinformation and author of *Invisible Rulers*, discusses how online platforms have altered public discourse. She highlights 'audience capture', where creators amplify extreme views for engagement. DiResta also explains the tactics of 'flooding the zone' to confuse truths and introduces the 'Liar's dividend', a tool for denying reality. She emphasizes the need for improved media literacy as a defense against misinformation, urging listeners to verify sources and recognize propaganda techniques in an era dominated by social media.

Nina Jankowicz, Co-Founder and CEO of the American Sunlight Project and author of "How to Lose the Information War," joins Scott Small, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Tidal Cyber, and Renee DiResta, former Technical Research Manager at Stanford's Internet Observatory. They dive into the nuances of modern election propaganda, exploring tactics used by nation-states like Russia to sow discord. They discuss the implications of disinformation campaigns on elections, the importance of recognizing these dynamics, and strategies for safeguarding electoral integrity.

In this insightful discussion, Renee DiResta, a technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory and a contributor for WIRED and The Atlantic, dives into the complex world of digital trust and viral misinformation. She explores how social media algorithms can shape public perception, especially regarding vaccines, and the regulatory challenges posed by automated accounts. DiResta also discusses innovative ideas like 'circuit breakers' to combat misinformation and the urgent need for diverse voices in a fragmented media landscape.

Renee DiResta, a Research Professor at Georgetown University, shares her insights on the online narratives surrounding anti-ICE protests. She highlights how social media creates polarized interpretations—some view the events as peaceful celebrations, while others see chaos. DiResta elaborates on the role of AI in spreading misinformation and complicating fact-checking. She emphasizes the importance of visual representation and transparency in tech to navigate the challenges of misinformation in today's media landscape.

Renee DiResta, a Research Professor at Georgetown University, dives deep into the contrasting narratives surrounding anti-ICE protests and their representation on social media. She discusses how imagery influences public perception, creating a carnival atmosphere for some while portraying violence for others. The conversation highlights the role of AI in spreading misinformation and complicating fact-checking, revealing the challenges of navigating truth in today’s polarized digital landscape. DiResta emphasizes the critical need for transparency in understanding these issues.

Renee DiResta is an expert on online manipulation at Georgetown, while Nic Newman researches news consumption at the Reuters Institute, and Michael Spikes teaches media literacy at Northwestern. They discuss the significant shift in news consumption as social media influencers gain prominence over traditional outlets. The trio dives into the challenges of misinformation and the evolving dynamics of audience engagement with influencers. They also touch on the impact of foreign influence in U.S. elections and the urgent need for critical media literacy in a complex digital landscape.

Renee DiResta, an expert on digital platform exploitation and former research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, dives into the world of AI's role in disinformation. She explores how adversaries misuse AI-generated content, particularly its implications for child safety and political discourse. The conversation touches on viral phenomena like 'Shrimp Jesus,' revealing how such images fuel social media engagement. DiResta emphasizes the urgent need for digital literacy as AI capabilities evolve, especially during election cycles.