Social media algorithms specifically designed to maximize engagement boost divisive lies and misinformation preferentially, which is distinct from and more problematic than the baseline human tendency to believe false things, and addressing this requires understanding that algorithmic signal-boosting is an editorial decision with consequences.
factualpending
Speaker
Sam HarrisEvidence Quote
“when you're talking about social media in particular it's not really a question of platforming or not necessarily it's just the question of of what the algorithm does to boost misinformation and and outrage preferentially right so it's the signal boost that is the unique feature here [47:40]”
Source
What Happened to the Republican Party?: A Conversation with Bret Stephens (Episode #329)— Sam HarrisCreated: 8/12/2026, 9:43:35 PM
My Notes
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