This episode dissects the viral spread of disinformation and propaganda during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels to the 2016 elections. It's a crucial listen for ecommerce operators to understand how information, both true and false, disseminates rapidly online, influencing public perception and potentially impacting brand reputation and consumer trust in a digital-first world. Learn about the mechanisms behind "misinformation factories" and the role of platforms.
Key takeaways
The Plandemic documentary and other high-profile conspiracy theories demonstrate how quickly and widely false narratives can spread, underscoring the need for brands to proactively manage their own messaging and monitor online discourse.
Celebrities and influencers play a significant role in amplifying misinformation; brands must rigorously vet partners to ensure alignment with factual and ethical communication standards.
Social media platforms, even unintentionally, can become "misinformation factories" due to their design and algorithms. Ecommerce businesses should be aware of how platform mechanics can impact the visibility and perception of their content and brand.
Understanding the tactics of disinformation campaigns can inform strategies for building trust and credibility with customers, especially in an environment saturated with conflicting information.
The discussion on platform accountability highlights the ongoing challenge of content moderation, which can affect how brand content is treated and what kind of information consumers are exposed to alongside brand messaging.
Phil Howard, the Oxford Internet Institute director and author of Lie Machines, and Emily Bell, the director of Columbia University's Tow Center for Digital Journalism, talk with Recode's Kara Swisher about the state of disinformation and propaganda in the coronavirus pandemic and how what we're hearing this year compares to the state-organized propaganda that infected elections in 2016. They explain some of the most pervasive conspiracy theories and campaigns — including the untruthful documentary-style movie "Plandemic," how Bill Gates replaced George Soros as the leading right-wing boogeyman, and President Trump's amorphous "Obamagate" insinuations. Bell and Howard also talk about why these lies are spreading so effectively, the celebrities and influencers that are helping them along, and how the big tech platforms are faring in the face of this challenge. Plus: How Facebook built "misinformation factories" in its apps.
Featuring:
Emily Bell (@emilybell), director, Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism
Phil Howard (@pnhoward), director, Oxford Internet Institute and author, Lie Machines.
Host:
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large
More to explore:
On Reset, Arielle Duhaime-Ross explores why — and how — tech is changing everything.
On Recode Media, Peter Kafka interviews business titans, journalists, comedians and podcasters about the collision of tech and media.
On Pivot, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway talk about the big tech news stories of the week, who's winning, who's failing, and what comes next.
And on Land of the Giants, Jason Del Rey chronicled the rise of Amazon. Season 2 will focus on Netflix and is coming soon!
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The Plandemic documentary and other high-profile conspiracy theories demonstrate how quickly and widely false narratives can spread, underscoring the need for brands to proactively manage their own messaging and monitor online discourse.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Celebrities and influencers play a significant role in amplifying misinformation; brands must rigorously vet partners to ensure alignment with factual and ethical communication standards.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Social media platforms, even unintentionally, can become "misinformation factories" due to their design and algorithms. Ecommerce businesses should be aware of how platform mechanics can impact the visibility and perception of their content and brand.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Understanding the tactics of disinformation campaigns can inform strategies for building trust and credibility with customers, especially in an environment saturated with conflicting information.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
The discussion on platform accountability highlights the ongoing challenge of content moderation, which can affect how brand content is treated and what kind of information consumers are exposed to alongside brand messaging.
