Debunking Election & Social Media Myths | WIRED

With the upcoming presidential election there's been plenty of talk about social media's potential impact. MIT professor Sinan Aral takes a look at some common myths swirling around social media and the upcoming election, and examines their validity. Can social media actually sway elections? Does fake news spread faster than real news? Are voting booths hack-proof?




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Debunking Election & Social Media Myths | WIRED

[matthewoliver]

social media has a profound impact on everything, it’s how most people get their news, or the younger generation at least

[unice]

You should really label the facts as facts rather than putting "myth" before every statement.

[effervescent]

Wouldn't the myth be "social media CANT bring about positive change?" He goes on to explain how it can be good for the world, so I'm confused.

[Morphed]

Ive read research saying how seeking out contrasting information online isn't as effective, as that information is most likely to be extreme, given the media culture of promoting news thats shocking or emotive. In fact they showed that it entrenches either sides stance more rather than open them up to new ideas (Dr Bail 2018)

[Mr.TrouDeCul]

"Debunked" let me laugh even harder

[mathwithjanine]

This is so interesting! It is insane that social media has such a profound impact on society.

[eternyti]

Title: Debunking Election & Social Media Myths
Actual video: 20% debunking myths, 80% explaining how the rest of these myths are actually true

[Tecknoc]

While I agree that we've seen studies that show the existence of filter bubbles, we also see studies that show that since the inception of social media and search engines, people have been engaging far more with sources and information that contrasts with their beliefs. However, instead of changing their beliefs in light of new info, people dug their heels in. In light of that, is seeking diverse info still a decent solution to polarisation?

[jannetteberends]

Yesterday I used Facebook to let my family know I made an appointment with a friend, that she will take care of my cat in case I die.
And today the algorithm sent me this channel on YouTube. Already watched 6 videos.

[krolltheknight]

This man has wisdom and far sight. I quit Social Media 8 years ago besides YT and twitch because I could see this even then. Instant information is a powerful weapon of manipulation especially for people who never question leadership. Ridiculous we are at this point.

[randydowell]

Last night I was watching NFL on Prime and they took a time out for a Social Media report!

[alexfrank]

Increasing voter turn out means politicians will need to care about the people more because now they actually vote.

[tecktola]

9:53 On echo chambers, It is important to note that echo chamber have an high inertia to new information, even if new information reaches the chamber it will be less represented as it might compete with the information actively getting spread in the echo chamber.

[f.michaelbremer-cruz]

This was quite a thoughtful overview of this complex topic and I appreciated hearing Professor Aral's take on it. It will be quite interesting to see what Humanity does with the power of Social Media and the Internet more generally in future.

[kelpy_w_]

What he is saying makes sense but the way he phrased it is so bad especially in the thumbnail.

[TenMillionYearProgram]

LMAO Yes, what a great source for honest politics!... Wired... lol...

[adamemac]

Wish someone/entity would "sway the election" by bringing in a competent candidate.

The two we currently have aren't it, imo.

[PolinaTolpygina]

Thank you so much for such an insightful video! Totally inspired me to do deeper research on the matter.

[dpharr]

Get off of social media

Problem solved

[bronbettis]

Fun fact: the majority of the people who clicked on this vid instantly disliked it without watching it