Conspiracy theories galore

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 I've found that social media has often made for a catch-22 in that it's a great and efficient way to connect people, but also sometimes connects the worst people in all the wrong ways. In all of our quests for infinite knowledge, we can sometimes stumble upon some misinformation. While most average folk can discern between fact and fiction, there is that dangerous subset that seems to have issues with that. I.E. the dreaded conspiracy theorist. While I like what I am assuming, many others, enjoy a bit of speculation on current and historical events, some can take that to a whole new level. Think the government is run by a group of people you can't stand? Just communicate with the hundreds of others who share the same opinion. No longer are people chastised for outlandish and potentially dangerous ideas, instead social media has allowed them to create an echo chamber in which deadly ideas can potentially brew. Obviously, social media is not to blame for an increase in lunacy, racism, or terrorist attacks. Still, I do believe it provides a stable pathway for those looking for others to share their tainted ideas with. I'm hoping that sometime in the near future, we can figure out a way to mitigate these issues, although given our constant failed attempts in the past, my confidence in this is not exactly very high. 

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/white-supremacists-are-riling-up-thousands-on-social-media

Comments

  1. Ellen DooleyOctober 10, 2023 at 7:52 PM

    It is unfortunate that these platforms allow people to amplify misinformation. The Buffalo shooting alone is enough a horrible example.
    The following passage: "References to hate-filled ideologies are more elusive across mainstream platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram. To avoid detection from artificial intelligence-powered moderation, users don’t use obvious terms like “white genocide” or “white power” in conversation." It made me think of what many of us, myself included, don't know about the "dark web" and to what extent that misinformation proliferates there. I get the gist of it, but wonder how easy it is for younger people, like the Buffalo shooter, to access the information and like hime, to choose the wrong path.
    And like you, I'm not optimistic that the social media platform owners will be changing the situation much, with "X" being a recent example. Maybe someone needs to come up with a "kind and happy thoughts only" (and no shopping needed) platform!

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