'If You Can Keep It': The Fight Against Disinformation
1Digest
This podcast delves into the growing presence of artificial intimacy in people's lives, examining the implications of technologies that claim to provide care, love, and support. It then shifts focus to the prevalence of disinformation and misinformation in the 2024 election cycle, highlighting the impact on voters, families, and the democratic process. The episode features interviews with experts on disinformation and election officials who are grappling with its effects. The podcast explores strategies for combating disinformation, including lateral reading, finding common ground, and recognizing emotional manipulation. It also discusses the challenges of countering disinformation, particularly the difficulty of changing people's minds and the risks faced by those who push back against it. The episode examines the role of foreign actors in spreading disinformation and interfering in the 2024 election, highlighting the tactics used by countries like Russia, China, and Iran, and discussing the challenges of identifying and countering foreign interference.
Outlines
The Rise of Artificial Intimacy and Disinformation in the 2024 Election
This episode explores the growing presence of artificial intimacy in people's lives and the prevalence of disinformation and misinformation in the 2024 election cycle. It examines the implications of technologies that claim to provide care, love, and support, and highlights the impact of disinformation on voters, families, and the democratic process.
Combating Disinformation and Foreign Interference
This episode explores strategies for combating disinformation, including lateral reading, finding common ground, and recognizing emotional manipulation. It also discusses the challenges of countering disinformation, particularly the difficulty of changing people's minds and the risks faced by those who push back against it. The episode examines the role of foreign actors in spreading disinformation and interfering in the 2024 election, highlighting the tactics used by countries like Russia, China, and Iran, and discussing the challenges of identifying and countering foreign interference.
Keywords
Artificial Intimacy
The development and use of technologies, particularly chatbots, that simulate human companionship and emotional connection. These technologies aim to provide companionship, support, and even romantic relationships.
Disinformation
Deliberately misleading information spread with the intent to deceive and manipulate. It often involves fabricating or distorting facts to create a false narrative.
Misinformation
False information spread unintentionally, often due to a lack of awareness or critical thinking. It can be spread by individuals who believe the information to be true.
Lateral Reading
A technique for verifying information by cross-referencing multiple sources. It involves checking the same story on different reputable news websites to assess its accuracy and objectivity.
Deep Fake
A form of synthetic media that uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but fabricated audio or video content. Deep fakes can be used to spread disinformation and manipulate public perception.
Gish Gallop
A rhetorical technique that involves overwhelming an opponent with a rapid-fire barrage of false or misleading statements. It aims to make it difficult to counter each claim individually.
Cognitive Dissonance
A psychological state of discomfort that arises when a person holds two or more conflicting beliefs, ideas, or values. It can lead to a resistance to change and a tendency to cling to existing beliefs.
Spearphishing
A type of cyberattack that targets specific individuals or organizations with personalized emails or messages designed to trick them into revealing sensitive information.
Q&A
How has the rise of artificial intelligence impacted the spread of misinformation about elections?
AI has made it easier to create deep fake audio and video content that can be used to deceive voters. It has also enabled the creation of fake news websites and social media accounts that appear legitimate.
What are some strategies for combating disinformation?
Lateral reading, finding common ground with those who spread disinformation, and recognizing emotional manipulation are effective strategies. It's also important to be aware of the incentives behind the spread of disinformation.
What are the risks faced by individuals who push back against disinformation?
Individuals who challenge disinformation can face threats, harassment, and even violence. This highlights the importance of protecting those who work to uphold truth and accuracy.
How has the politicization of disinformation affected the government's response?
The Biden administration has pulled back on active coordination with social media platforms and outreach to academics and civil society groups, making it more difficult to combat disinformation.
What is the significance of Maricopa County, Arizona in the context of disinformation?
Maricopa County has become a focal point for disinformation due to its political competitiveness and the changing political landscape. It is crucial to have voices speaking truth about the election process in this county.
Show Notes
The stakes are high – for our upcoming election, for our national security, and even for our relationships. How and why are falsehoods spreading this election cycle? And how can we fight back?
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