Doomscrolling, Disinformation, and Algorithmic Tyranny

Listen to this episode from The Lincoln Project on Spotify. Most of us have heard by now that the US is experiencing an ongoing disinformation war online, taking on damage from our global adversaries, various capitalistic social media platforms, and, worst of all, Trump, MAGA, and the far-right. Dr. Caroline Orr Bueno -- a PhD in Disinformation and Social Networks who's built a resistance against political propaganda -- sits down with Rick to shed light on algorithmic tyranny and how the Trump admin is trying to seize control of algorithms, social media, and news to further weaponize information. Dr. Caroline explains the difference between primitive and logical thinking, and how hate feeds the algorithm more than any other form of engagement. She and Rick impart some crucial advice about how to avoid being a puppet to the algorithm and ways to cut off its access for the greater good. Just remember, if a service is free, YOU are the product.  • • • • • Follow Dr. Caroline Orr Bueno on X and Instagram at @RVAwonk, on Bluesky  at @rvawonk.bsky.social‬, and on Substack at @weaponizedspaces. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and @therickwilson.bsky.social on Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.  Join the fight with the Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow LP on X at @ProjectLincoln. If you'd like to help us continue our critical work, visit https://action.lincolnproject.us/helplp to make a difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices