A Deluge of Disinformation
Social media platforms have been inundated with not only heartbreaking and disturbing stories and images, but also fake videos, out-of-context posts, phony experts, enraged screeds, and falsified news. Disinformation researchers and journalists have described this as an “algorithmically driven fog of war,” making it harder than ever to discern fact from fiction online.
The Incentive Structure of Social Media
Social media’s incentive structure primarily benefits the powerful and unscrupulous, rewarding propagandists and opportunists. It encourages users to post inflammatory content even before the facts are clear, promising notoriety and potentially financial gain. This raises questions about the reliability of social media as a source of factual information.
The Failings of Major Platforms
Elon Musk’s ownership of X (formerly known as Twitter) has been criticized for its decline in reliability as a news source since he took over and reduced content moderation. The platform’s new pay-to-play verification system allows verified sources to spread bad information and earn money through X’s creator revenue sharing program. Facebook and TikTok have also been limiting the visibility of news on their platforms, protesting laws that require them to compensate media companies and facing challenges in moderating news content.
The Problem with Social Media
Misinformation has been present on social media since its inception. The platforms, designed to reach as many people as possible and serve ads, incentivize inflammatory content. This problem has worsened with the removal of content moderation and trust and safety teams. Social media platforms are not built to be news delivery services but rather amplify sensational and often false information.
The Case of Gaza Hospital Attack
The recent online skirmish over whether Israel or Palestine was responsible for bombing a Gaza hospital exemplifies the power dynamics in the digital fog of war. Those with more power and resources have a distinct advantage in shaping public opinion. The frenzy of online speculation and theorizing serves little purpose, as waiting for journalists and investigators to carry out their work would yield more reliable information.
The Importance and Limitations of Social Media
Social media can still serve as a crucial platform for unheard voices and alternative perspectives, especially when mainstream media coverage may be biased. However, there is an urgent need to increase reliability and safety on these platforms, restrain our worst impulses, and improve media literacy. The current state of social media, run by self-serving megalomaniacs or reliant on ad revenue, hampers the quest for truth and shared understanding of world events.
The Need for a Trustworthy Space
In an age of widespread misinformation and collapsing trust in institutions, finding a place where reliable information can be shared and understood is crucial. However, platforms owned by billionaires are unlikely to fulfill this role. It is necessary to explore alternatives that prioritize truth and transparency.