November’s Topic: Social Media and Election Disinformation
What will it take to control the viral spread of lies and conspiracy theories over social media? Toxic online content is sowing distrust of our election systems and fueling radical, anti-democratic movements.
We’ll explore this crisis and possible solutions with featured guest Dr. Raleigh Levine, Professor of Law at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law.
Suggested reading:
“Experts grade Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube on readiness to handle midterm election misinformation” | Click here to read.
About our new discussion series: Let’s Talk About Digital Threats to Democracy
Disinformation. Conspiracy theories. Extremism. Surveillance. Our democracy is threatened as never before by toxic online content. The social media giants seem unable, or in some cases unwilling, to control the flood of lies and manipulative practices. The staggering — often hidden — reach of Big Tech into our lives endangers civil society, our civil rights, and our privacy. In a "post-truth" world we risk losing the shared understanding that underpins our democracy.
Each month, we’ll explore a different facet of this crisis with guest experts. Participants are encouraged to prepare for the discussion by reading one or two suggested brief articles.