We can’t count on social media platforms alone to solve core problems driving extremism and disinformation online. The incentives don’t exist in their current framework. Disinformation and extremism online flourishes in large part by maintaining constant outrage and fear—both are powerful currencies on modern platforms. Whether it’s a children’s book, immigration, or the “Clinton cabal,” this problematic content thrives when the audience is convinced of an impending crisis or looming boogeyman. Paranoia opens space for people to adopt more extreme positions and outlandish explanations than they might deduce on their own. Content consumers are often placed in positions that can feel as binary as they do existential; will they take a stand against a supposed moral transgression at the Potato Head company, or will they stay silent?
The Platforms Won't Save You
The Platforms Won't Save You
The Platforms Won't Save You
We can’t count on social media platforms alone to solve core problems driving extremism and disinformation online. The incentives don’t exist in their current framework. Disinformation and extremism online flourishes in large part by maintaining constant outrage and fear—both are powerful currencies on modern platforms. Whether it’s a children’s book, immigration, or the “Clinton cabal,” this problematic content thrives when the audience is convinced of an impending crisis or looming boogeyman. Paranoia opens space for people to adopt more extreme positions and outlandish explanations than they might deduce on their own. Content consumers are often placed in positions that can feel as binary as they do existential; will they take a stand against a supposed moral transgression at the Potato Head company, or will they stay silent?