Social media has become the most powerful communication tool in history, but it has also corrupted the internet's potential to do good. Critics argue that social media poses a real threat to a pluralistic society, leading to behavior modification, depression, and unreal politics. Experts blame the algorithms and profit motives of Big Tech for exacerbating the worst parts of human nature. However, the source of certain polarizing beliefs and norms can be traced to small, strange corners of the internet. Despite its drawbacks, social media has helped people expand their moral circle, find partners and friends, and sometimes even leave religious cults.
The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness of this new technology brings with it the darker impulses of human nature.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.