Researchers at New York University have concluded that social media is not an accurate reflection of society, but more like a funhouse mirror distorted by a small but vocal minority of extreme outliers. It’s a finding that has special resonance this election season. John Yang speaks with psychology professor Jay Van Bavel, one of the authors of the paper that reported the research, to learn more.
It’s starting to feel more like we shouldn’t allow political ads or discussions online without restrictions. Foreign actors and idiots are too quick to spread misinformation. If people want to get an idea of what others believe in, then go talk with other real people. This feels more like kids learning how to socialize from online games. People are dicks online, and you can interact with people that way in real life
Who are this “we” that should not allow political discussions online ? How would that be enforced?
Would Lemmy.world (the “foreign” social media) have to apply these US restrictions (via political pressure on it’s host countries) or will the US block access to it?
Or your home instance sh.it just.works?
Do you even remotely realize how authoritarian your position is?
Honestly I’ve started to start any political conversations with someone who’s misinformed like: “Oh you’re think they’re eating dogs? I saw that too, but it isn’t news. It’s political ads. You know? Propaganda? But they are selling you fear instead. Turns out it’s just fiction, lol. They tricked me too.”
It generally opens up a legit conversation, and the person is less defensive since it’s us talking about something else. Instead of me vs them.