Polarization Series: Is Social Media to Blame? Professor Chris Bail
How Do We Fix It?6 Okt 2023

Polarization Series: Is Social Media to Blame? Professor Chris Bail

Almost everyone has an opinion about the impact of social media on political polarization. Most of us believe that Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, YouTube and other sites have made our civic life more angry and divided. But how much of this is true? Are consumers as much to blame as the platforms themselves?


15 years ago, in the very early days of social media, many Americans had a much more positive view of this new technology. It was bringing friends and families together, opening up new sources of information, and that was viewed as a good thing.


We discuss the surprising findings of research into social media and polarization with Professor Chris Bail, founder of the Polarization Lab at Duke University. He’s the author of the 2021 book, “Breaking The Social Media Prism.” Bail studies political tribalism, extremism, and social psychology using data from social media and research from computational social science.


This show was recorded during a week of chaos on Capitol Hill, right after the historic ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz who led the push to remove McCarthy, is one of a new generation of performative politicians, known more for their huge social media followings than their ability to get things done.


Both Democrat and Republican hardliners are among those who have used Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to push politics to the extremes. Compromise is considered a dirty word by these politicians. Working out the complex, time-consuming details of legislation is hardly the stuff of clicks or headlines.


In this episode we complicate the current social media narrative, learning more about algorithms, and user responses to them. This show is part of our podcast series on polarization, funded in part with a generous grant from Solutions Journalism Network. This non-profit group is about to celebrate its 10-year-anniversary.


Recommendation: Richard enjoyed going to the movies recently and seeing "Past Lives", the latest film by Korean-Canadian- American playwright, Celine Song. Richard also gives a thumbs up to "The Morning Show" on Apple TV. Both feature the work of actress Greta Lee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avsnitt(437)

#5 We Need More Free Range Kids: How Do We Fix It?

#5 We Need More Free Range Kids: How Do We Fix It?

Do helicopter parents need to come in for a landing? Lenore Skenazy, host of the cable TV show, "World's Worst Mom", says yes. The founder of the parenting movement Free Range Kids is Jim and Richard's expert guest. Skenazy argues society fills parents with fear about what might happen to their children. http://www.freerangekids.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Juni 201526min

#1 The Tech Threat To Your Kids: How Do We Fix It?

#1 The Tech Threat To Your Kids: How Do We Fix It?

Computers, video games and mobile devices are a huge temptation for kids. But are they really a threat, or instead a great opportunity for children to learn about the world? In this show Jim and Richard are joined by developmental psychologist Abigail Baird of Vassar College. The mother of two 6-year old twins and an expert on the teenage brain, Abigail has some fascinating fixes for parents who want to strike the right balance on tech for their kids. http://psychology.vassar.edu/bios/abbaird.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Apr 201529min

#2 Why We're Bored and Frustrated At Work: How Do We Fix It?

#2 Why We're Bored and Frustrated At Work: How Do We Fix It?

The numbers are alarming. A recent Gallup says that less than one-third of American workers are engaged in their jobs. Millions of employees are either bored or completely fed up. In addition to the human misery this causes dysfunctional workplaces damage businesses and harm the economy. Ron Friedman is the author of "The Best Place to Work: The Art and Science of Creating an Extraordinary Workplace." He has some great tips for both employers and employees.http://thebestplacetoworkbook.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Mars 201532min

#4 Government Red Tape Is A Nightmare: How Do We Fix It?

#4 Government Red Tape Is A Nightmare: How Do We Fix It?

All of us pay taxes, but how well is that money being spent? Many government services are poorly delivered. From the local DMV or zoning department to the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs, government can be a big tangled mess. For decades, Philip K. Howard has been a leading expert on how streamline government and make it work for all of us. His latest book is "The Rule of Nobody." In this episode, Richard, Jim and Philip a lively conversation about the problem and how to would fix it. http://philipkhoward.com/book/the-rule-of-nobody/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Mars 201531min

#3 Drowning In Credit Card Debt: How Do We Fix It?

#3 Drowning In Credit Card Debt: How Do We Fix It?

Credit card debt is once again on the rise. The average U.S. household that borrows money with high interest credit cards owes $15,000. Many people are overwhelmed by monthly bills. Expert Beverly Harzog has seen the problems from both sides. Author of two helpful books, "Confessions of a Credit Card Junkie," and "The Debt Escape Plan", Beverly knows all about the crisis of bad credit and how to dig yourself out from debt. www.beverlyharzog.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Mars 201532min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

svenska-fall
p3-krim
rss-krimstad
rss-viva-fotboll
flashback-forever
fordomspodden
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-vad-fan-hande
aftonbladet-daily
olyckan-inifran
dagens-eko
rss-frandfors-horna
motiv
svd-dokumentara-berattelser-2
rss-krimreportrarna
krimmagasinet
svd-nyhetsartiklar
blenda-2
spotlight
rss-svalan-krim