Weizenbaum Institute’s Post

This article points our what many of use think/feel about Haidt (and Twenge et al). If you've read and frothed with confirmation bias (or not) over 'Anxious Generation', please read this and listen to the 'If Books Could Kill' episode on it (is bloody excellent). Read>> https://lnkd.in/gD8faCsk Listen>> https://lnkd.in/gMMQpGab

Do you know what human trafficking looks like? Not the way that it’s portrayed in action movies, sensational news articles, or biased social media posts. I mean what it actually looks like when it happens to real people in actual communities. It’s ok if you don’t. We can learn together. Join us for our LAMP series on January 29. Learn. Act. Mobilize. Persist. We’re going to talk about what trafficking is, what it’s not, and what you can do about it. It’s free. It’s 45 minutes. Bring your lunch and learn something powerful.

What does it mean to be an informed public? How are misinformation campaigns being addressed across the globe? The Institute for Rebooting Social Media welcomes Johan Farkas to discuss contemporary struggles over how we define what’s true and what’s false, based on the 2nd edition of Post-Truth, Fake News and Democracy: Mapping the Politics of Falsehood. The conversation will explore how fake news has impacted historic events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and present both a critique of prominent current solutions to the spread of disinformation as well as potential alternatives. This event will be fully virtual and moderated by Applied Social Media Lab Senior Director Jonathan Bellack.

Is Distrust the New Norm for Online Information?🕵️♂️ Here's the TruTake: • Doubtful of Accuracy: Most people are skeptical about the accuracy of what they read online. • Curious for Others' Opinions: A close second, many want to know others’ thoughts before trusting new info. • Confident in Insight: Only a small fraction feel they’re getting exclusive or reliable information. 📉 Even expert sources aren’t fully trusted! Those who saw this coming share one bold view: “Expert sources are not enough.” Social media gives us access to unique insights—but it also fuels our doubts. #DistrustOnline #TruthInDoubt #SocialMedia

My latest column for RealClearPolitics.

After an election, it can feel difficult to navigate the array of headlines, news, and content. It’s important to engage with the news around us and our communities, but it’s important to do so in an informed way. Let’s meet one of the media monsters … The Headline Hellion Did you read a headline about a shortened school year and share it without realizing it was satire? Have you ever shared breaking news only to find out 10 minutes later that the original news was inaccurate or incomplete? Have you ever decided how you feel about a new government policy based on a press conference you saw on TV or heard on the radio? Because most news and media contain deeper stories and nuances, it’s important to practice media literacy skills through reading through stories and being mindful about what you share. Meet the media monsters here: https://lnkd.in/e-dSYQpj

In the post-election swirl, Katie Prescott and I spoke with one of the smartest people in the world, Renee DiResta, about how narratives form online, the shifting media landscape and how it all played into the result. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gVGUsiw4

Understanding the power and reach of cross-border media is more important than ever in our rapidly globalizing society. Whether it's traditional news broadcasts, digital platforms, or social media, cross-border media have a profound impact on shaping our attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions. In a world where geographical boundaries no longer limit the flow of information, the narratives presented by cross-border media often define our understanding of world events. However, with great power comes the responsibility to disseminate ethical and accurate information. Our latest blog delves into the compelling role of cross-border media in forming narratives, highlighting its influence on perceptions, and discussing the challenges and ethical implications in our ever-evolving digital age. Read on to glean insights into the critical impact of cross-border media in our globally connected society and the exciting future it promises. Full Article found here : https://lnkd.in/gJiZajCD

Uncovering Google's Influence: The Creepy Line Exposed Discover how Google shapes our perceptions by prioritizing positive narratives over negative ones. This documentary reveals the hidden manipulation behind search results, affecting public opinion about political figures and more. It's time to understand the implications of our digital searches. #GoogleManipulation #TheCreepyLine #SearchEngineBias #PublicOpinion #DocumentaryReview #DigitalInfluence #PoliticalNarratives #MediaAnalysis #InformationControl #HillaryClintonVsDonaldTrump

At Responsible Media Group, we believe real accuracy shows the full spectrum of human experience, not just the harmful parts. It’s time to question whose reality we’re watching and break the cycle of stereotypes disguised as truth. Are we repeating the same stories or redefining what it means to be accurate—and responsible—in media? Let’s talk about it. Learn more about Responsible Media Group and the work we do to deconstruct media around us at https://lnkd.in/gUPAhXxt