Going Viral
Summary
This episode examines how social media algorithms amplified misinformation during the pandemic, fueling anti-lockdown protests and election denialism. It traces the journey of influencers like Dr. Eric Feigelding and Pam Hemphill, whose online content radicalized followers. The narrative culminates in the January 6 Capitol riot, illustrating how digital echo chambers translated into real-world violence against American democracy.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The Facebook Files and Palihapitiya's confession
Zuckerberg's congressional testimony and shifting responsibility
Academic skepticism and the failure of tech-academia partnerships
Algorithm changes and the rise of viral misinformation
Early pandemic warnings and Dr. Feigelding's viral thread
The spread of medical myths and dangerous fake cures
Platform interventions and the limits of content moderation
Anti-lockdown protests and the Boogaloo movement
Election denialism and the Stop the Steal movement
Mobilization for the January 6th Capitol riot
Pam Hemphill's experience inside the Capitol on Jan 6
Aftermath: Trump's concession and social media bans
Reflections on radicalization and the show's conclusion
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