Stephen Harrison

Stephen Harrison, a journalist with eight years covering Wikipedia, dives deep into the encyclopedia's tumultuous relationship with the Trump administration. He discusses how Wikipedia, once seen as the last bastion of shared reality, faces accusations of bias and scrutiny from the U.S. government. Harrison uncovers alarming threats linked to extremist groups and addresses controversies surrounding key political figures impacting the platform. With insights from his novel, he reflects on Wikipedia's evolving role in combating misinformation in today's chaotic information landscape.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Stephen Harrison examines how authoritarian governments view Wikipedia as a threat. He analyzes the platform's role in shaping reliable information against rising misinformation. Meanwhile, Kyle Chayka offers insights into the joys of internet creativity, challenging social media's algorithm-driven culture. They explore navigating platforms like TikTok and the way users can foster genuine community engagement. With candid anecdotes, they urge listeners to support individual creators and think critically about the content they consume.

In this discussion, Stephen Harrison, a seasoned freelance journalist and tech lawyer, teams up with Molly White, a veteran Wikipedia editor with nearly two decades of experience. They dive into the Heritage Foundation's alarming plan to target Wikipedia editors over alleged bias. The conversation covers contested editing practices, the complexities of governance on Wikipedia, and the chilling effect of political scrutiny on content contributors. They also explore how these tactics echo authoritarian approaches to information control, raising concerns about Wikipedia's future.