How a small but vocal minority of social media users distort reality and sow division - PBS NewsHour

[Rhiannon12866]

Researchers at New York University have concluded that social media is not an accurate reflection of society, but more like a funhouse mirror distorted by a small but vocal minority of extreme outliers. It's a finding that has special resonance this election season. John Yang speaks with psychology professor Jay Van Bavel, one of the authors of the paper that reported the research, to learn more. - Aired on 10/27/2024.

[pat_k]

1. People paid a few bucks to unfollow key hyper-partisan accounts for a few weeks

After they got their money and were told they could re-follow the accounts, most chose not to.

Participant findings:

Less partisan animosity
Sharing more accurate information
They feel better
Became less hostile

The effects lasted through 11 months:

Given the benefits the people felt, most didn't want to re-follow the hyper-partisan accounts.

Years back there was a similar study where people were paid not to watch FOX News. Similar benefits.

Perhaps we need a "Recover America" organization that raises money to help America recover. Pay X amount to folks willing to unfollow toxic accounts and turn off FOX News for a couple months.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Great investment that could benefit the country in so many ways!