#400 — The Politics of Information
In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, journalists Helen Lewis and Sam Harris examine how the modern digital landscape, namely social media and partisan news outlets, contributes to political polarization and ideological echo chambers. They explore how these phenomena influence journalism, public discourse, and trust in institutions.
The discussion covers the challenges journalists face in maintaining impartiality when covering polarizing subjects and the difficulty of restoring faith in media and institutions amid perceived biases and misinformation. Lewis and Harris also analyze how memorable but oversimplified claims and narratives often overshadow the nuances of complex topics, allowing myths to solidify before being refuted.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 6, 2025 episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris
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Digital Age: Changing Journalism and Media
Helen Lewis and Sam Harris discuss how partisan media, ideological echo chambers, and personal biases are reshaping journalism and contributing to polarization.
Partisan Media Fuels Political Polarization
Lewis points to the growth of partisan media outlets that affirm, rather than objectively report, political views. This reinforces people's existing beliefs instead of challenging them. Harris criticizes podcasters who avoid skeptical questioning to have agreeable discussions.
Further, Lewis notes new right-wing TV channels in the UK rapidly spreading partisan narratives into public discourse. She stresses the need for a diverse press to scrutinize each other and move society closer to truth, while expressing concern that audiences prefer simplified narratives over nuanced analysis.
Social Media Creates Ideological Echo Chambers
Online platforms allow users to filter out dissenting voices and enhance ideological messaging, according to Lewis and Harris. This "curating effect" can lead to biases being reinforced.
Harris gives the example of 9/11 truthers, whose psychological dysfunctions might be apparent in person but given a "purer vector" online, potentially enabling radicalization.
Additionally, Lewis and Harris warn that the internet allows people to form communities around narrow interests, fostering unhealthy spaces like pro-anorexia forums by connecting individuals with extreme views globally.
Polarization's Impact on Political Discourse
Harris and Lewis analyze how media polarization and echo chambers influence political discourse and trust in institutions.
Challenge of Restoring Trust in Media and Institutions
According to Harris, perceived inaccuracies and biases surrounding issues like DEI and trans activism undermine trust in institutions and the "liberal order." Lewis emphasizes journalism's correction mechanisms as vital to combat misinformation and regain public trust.
Harris also notes the "illusory truth effect," where debunking myths can reinforce false beliefs through repetition, making it difficult to correct narratives in echo chambers.
"Motte and Bailey" Argumentation Tactics
Lewis recounts encountering hyper-partisan rhetoric during a Pennsylvania campaign, with extreme allegations like labeling opponents "fascist" hampering nuanced discussion.
Harris adds that memorable, simple claims often overshadow needed follow-up nuance on complex topics, allowing myths to solidify before being refuted.
Reporting On Ideologically-Charged Topics
Helen Lewis shares the difficulties journalists face maintaining impartiality and facing backlash when covering polarizing subjects.
Balancing Impartiality and Critical Coverage
Lewis says journalists must sift through conflicting accounts of reality while striving for impartiality. She notes it's akin to reporting on U.S. politics, where lifelong party allegiances make objective policy evaluation challenging.
Lewis laments that U.S. media rarely offers balanced perspectives from both sides, citing the decline of impartial local newspapers as a factor.
Facing Harassment and Difficulty Getting Engagement
Reporting on contentious gender and race issues risks extensive harassment, deterring journalists from tackling such stories, according to Lewis. There's a dilemma of spending time debunking misinformation versus covering new stories.
Harris and Lewis ponder whether some issues warrant the personal struggles of reporting on them, highlighting the need to prioritize significance over potential backlash.
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Clarifications
- Motte and Bailey argumentation tactics involve switching between two positions: a defensible but less appealing position (the "motte") and a more controversial but less defensible position (the "bailey") when challenged. This strategy allows individuals to retreat to the motte when under scrutiny and then advance back to the bailey when the pressure subsides. It's a metaphorical concept often used to describe how individuals or groups navigate debates by shifting between easily defended positions and more contentious stances.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives aim to create fair and inclusive environments by addressing systemic inequalities based on characteristics like race, gender, and sexual orientation. Trans activism advocates for the rights and visibility of transgender individuals, seeking to challenge discrimination and promote acceptance and equality for transgender people. These movements often intersect, working towards social justice and equality for marginalized communities. DEI and trans activism are integral parts of broader efforts to create more equitable and accepting societies.
- The term "liberal order" typically refers to a global system characterized by principles of political liberalism, economic liberalism, and international cooperation through institutions like the United Nations. It emphasizes values such as human rights, open markets, security cooperation, and the promotion of liberal democracy. This order has been in place since the late 1940s and is based on the idea of structured relationships among states governed by rules, norms, and institutions. It aims to foster cooperation, stability, and shared values among nations.
- The illusory truth effect is the tendency for people to believe false information as true after repeated exposure. This phenomenon occurs when familiarity with a statement influences perceived truthfulness, regardless of actual accuracy. Repetition can make misinformation seem more valid, impacting beliefs even when individuals initially knew the correct information. The effect is significant in various areas like advertising, media, propaganda, and indoctrination.
- Pro-anorexia forums are online spaces where individuals with anorexia nervosa gather to discuss and support behaviors related to the eating disorder. These forums can promote harmful ideas by normalizing extreme thinness and unhealthy eating habits. Some participants view anorexia as a lifestyle choice rather than a mental illness, leading to controversial discussions within these communities. The content shared on these platforms, including images and discussions, can reinforce dangerous behaviors and negatively impact individuals struggling with eating disorders.
Counterarguments
- While partisan media can reinforce existing beliefs, it can also provide a platform for marginalized voices and perspectives that mainstream media might overlook.
- Podcasters may choose agreeable discussions to foster a positive environment for dialogue and to attract guests who might be reluctant to participate in confrontational settings.
- The emergence of new right-wing TV channels could be seen as a response to a perceived liberal bias in mainstream media, aiming to balance the media landscape.
- A diverse press is important, but the concept of absolute objectivity is debated; all journalism is produced by individuals with their own biases and perspectives.
- Simplified narratives might be preferred by audiences due to cognitive overload in the digital age, where the sheer volume of information available can be overwhelming.
- Social media's filtering capabilities can also empower users to avoid misinformation and focus on credible sources.
- Echo chambers exist offline as well, with individuals often seeking out like-minded communities; online platforms simply reflect this human tendency.
- The "curating effect" might not always reinforce biases; it can also help individuals find more accurate and reliable information by following experts and fact-checkers.
- Online platforms can also be spaces for positive communities and support groups, providing valuable resources for individuals seeking help and information.
- Media polarization is a complex issue with many contributing factors, including audience preferences and economic incentives for media outlets.
- Trust in institutions may be undermined by factors beyond perceived inaccuracies and biases, such as systemic issues within the institutions themselves.
- Correction mechanisms in journalism are important, but they may not always be effective or timely, and retractions or corrections often receive less attention than the original misinformation.
- The "illusory truth effect" is a challenge, but it can be mitigated through media literacy education and critical thinking skills.
- Hyper-partisan rhetoric can be countered by promoting civil discourse and emphasizing the importance of evidence-based arguments.
- While memorable claims can overshadow nuance, they can also serve as entry points for deeper engagement with complex topics.
- Journalists often do provide balanced coverage, and the challenge of impartiality is not unique to the digital age but has been a longstanding issue in journalism.
- The decline of local newspapers is concerning, but new digital media outlets and citizen journalism initiatives can fill the gap in local reporting.
- Harassment of journalists is a serious issue, but it can be addressed through better support systems and legal protections for reporters.
- The dilemma of debunking misinformation versus covering new stories is a false dichotomy; both are essential components of responsible journalism.
- The personal struggles of reporting on contentious issues are significant, but the societal value of informed discourse on these topics can justify the challenges faced by journalists.
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Digital Age: Changing Journalism and Media
Helen Lewis and Sam Harris share insights about how the digital age is reshaping journalism and contributing to rising political polarization.
Partisan Media Rise, Impartial Journalism Decline
Opinion-Driven Media Fuels Political Polarization as People Consume Aligned Beliefs
Helen Lewis reveals her journalistic style includes her own commentary, suggesting that journalism increasingly interweaves facts with opinions. Influencers, described by Lewis as credulous and eager for proximity to power, contribute to this trend of less critical media coverage. Sam Harris echoes this sentiment by criticizing podcasters who favor agreeable discussions over skeptical questioning. This shift, they argue, leads to journalism that is more affirming than objective.
Further, Lewis points to the launch of two right-wing TV channels in the UK, which illustrates the impact of partisan media on politics, as they spread certain events or phrases rapidly into the public discourse. Lewis stresses the importance of a diverse press where outlets scrutinize each other and collectively move the public closer to the truth. However, Lewis expresses concern that the audience may not be seeking a complete picture, evidenced by their preference for simplified narratives like conspiracy theories.
Social Media Impact on Information Echo Chambers
Curating Online Feeds Narrows Perspectives and Reduces Exposure to Challenging Views
The discussion then shifts to the curating effect of online platforms. Lewis and Harris note that the internet allows for filtering out personal idiosyncrasies that might discredit sources of information, leading to an enhancement of ideological messages. This, coupled with a desire for simple explanations, can result in information being molded to suit biases, further narrowing perspectives.
Harris gives the example of 9-11 truthers to illustrate how individuals with psychological and social dysfunctions might be discounted in person but are given a purer vector of information online, which can lead to radicalization.
Geographical Homogeneity in Online Communities Fosters Toxic Subcultures By Connecting People With Extreme Views
With the internet, people can sort themselves not by geography but by interest, which can create unhealthy communities. They give examples like pro-anorexia forums and spaces that support di ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Digital Age: Changing Journalism and Media
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Pro-anorexia forums are online spaces where individuals with eating disorders gather to share tips, support, and encouragement for maintaining extreme thinness, often glamorizing and promoting unhealthy behaviors. Spaces supporting dissociative identity disorder can attract individuals seeking validation and connection with others who claim to experience the same condition, potentially reinforcing harmful beliefs or behaviors related to the disord ...
Counterarguments
- While opinion-driven media may contribute to polarization, it can also provide valuable context and analysis that pure fact-reporting may lack.
- Partisan media outlets reflect existing political divides rather than solely contributing to them; they serve audiences seeking perspectives aligned with their beliefs.
- A diverse press is important, but the concept of objectivity in journalism has always been contested, and all journalism reflects some level of bias or perspective.
- Simplified narratives and conspiracy theories may appeal to some, but there is also a significant audience actively seeking out complex and nuanced information.
- Online platforms may narrow perspectives for some users, but they also offer unprecedented access to a wide array of viewpoints and information sources.
- The internet's ability to filter out personal idiosyncrasies can also empower marginalized voices and allow for a diversity of representation that was not possible before.
- While some online communities can be toxic, the internet also provides support networks and resources for individuals who might otherwise feel isolated or marginalized.
- Social media ech ...
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Polarization and Echo Chambers' Impact on Political Discourse
The discussion sheds light on the deep polarization in American political discourse, debating the role of media, the consequences of distrust, and the argumentation tactics aggravating the divide.
Challenge Of Restoring Trust in Institutions and Media
Polarization has extended to people's faith in various institutions, with bias and the spread of misinformation contributing to a breakdown in trust.
Distrust in Information Sources From Perceived Bias and Inaccuracy
Sam Harris touches on the "failing liberal order," highlighting the loss of trust in institutions due to perceived bias and inaccuracies. Concerns regarding DEI initiatives and trans activism are mentioned as contributing factors to public skepticism, potentially undermining trust in the Democratic Party. Helen Lewis, on the other hand, reflects on the journalistic process, emphasizing the importance of correction mechanisms within the media to combat misinformation and restore trust.
Debunking Myths Can Paradoxically Reinforce Entrenched Views
Harris elaborates on the illusory truth effect, where debunking a myth can inadvertently reinforce it simply through repetition, emphasizing the difficulty of correcting false narratives. The conversation reveals that, even when facts are brought forward, enduring beliefs in echo chambers make debunking conspiracies an uphill battle. Harris observes that the mere act of discussing falsehoods perpetuates them, while Lewis discusses the obstacles posed to consensus building by extreme claims and public preference for simpler explanations.
The Emergence of "Mot and Bailey" Argumentation Tactics
Polarization is further exacerbated by certain argumentation tactics that prevent nuanced discussions.
Extreme Claims Hamper Nuanced Discussions and Consensus Building
Lewis discusses her encounter with hyper-partisan viewpoints during the Pennsylvania campaign where extreme opinions form about opposing political figures, thus hampering the possibility of gaining a nuanced unders ...
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Polarization and Echo Chambers' Impact on Political Discourse
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The illusory truth effect is the tendency for people to believe false information as true after repeated exposure. This phenomenon occurs because familiarity can override rationality, making repeated statements feel more accurate. It plays a significant role in various areas like advertising, news media, and political propaganda. The effect was first identified in a study conducted in 1977 at Villanova University and Temple University.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are programs and policies aimed at promoting diversity, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering an inclusive environment within organizations. These initiatives focus on addressing systemic inequalities, promoting representation of marginalized groups, and creating a workplace culture that values and respects differences. DEI efforts often include strategies for recruitment, training, and support to enhance diversity and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace. The goal is to cultivate a work environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
- Trans activism involves advocating for the rights and visibility of transgender individuals in society. This activism aims to address discrimination, promote acceptance, and push for legal protections for transgender people. Trans activists work towards creating inclusive spaces, challenging stereotypes, and fighting for equal treatment and opportunities for transgender individuals. Their efforts often focus on healthcare access, legal recognition, anti-discrimination policies, and broader societal acceptance of diverse gender identities.
- An echo chamber in the context of discussions and media refers to environments where individuals are primarily exposed to information and opinions that align with their existing beliefs, leading to reinforcement and amplification of those beliefs. This can create a situation where people are less exposed t ...
Counterarguments
- While bias and misinformation are issues, it's also true that skepticism toward institutions can stem from legitimate failures and scandals, not just perceived bias or misinformation.
- DEI initiatives and trans activism may be seen by some as contributing to skepticism, but others argue that these movements are essential for social progress and that skepticism is often rooted in misinformation or resistance to change.
- Correction mechanisms in media are important, but some critics argue that media outlets often have inherent biases that correction mechanisms alone cannot address.
- The illusory truth effect is a recognized phenomenon, but it's also possible that repeated debunking can eventually overcome entrenched views if done effectively and in diverse communication channels.
- Echo chambers are a concern, but individuals do sometimes change their views when exposed to new information, suggesting that echo chambers are not impenetrable.
- Discussing falsehoods does risk perpetuation, but silence can also be interpreted as agreement or acceptance, so there is a need for careful engagement with false narratives.
- Extreme claims can hinder nuanced discussions, but they can also serve as a starting point for debate and a catalyst for deeper exploration of issues.
- Hyper-partisan viewpoints can be problematic, but they can also reflect deeply held values and beliefs that merit understanding and engagement ra ...
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Challenges In Reporting On Contentious and Ideologically-Charged Topics
Journalists like Helen Lewis discuss the complexities and dangers of reporting on ideologically charged subjects.
Difficulty Of Maintaining Impartiality and Providing Balanced Coverage
Journalists Must Balance Fact-Reporting With Impartiality in Polarized Environments
Helen Lewis describes the challenge of sifting through different versions of reality to report what actually happened, drawing a comparison to the film "Rashomon," where the same event has markedly different accounts from each witness. Sam Harris and Lewis touch on maintaining impartiality and a critical stance, with Lewis emphasizing that journalists should not aim just to be liked but to hold powerful figures accountable. Lewis mentions the difficulty of reporting on U.S. politics impartially, akin to reporting in religiously sectarian societies where people's votes are deeply rooted in lifelong allegiances rather than policy evaluations. The challenge for journalists is to provide balanced coverage in an environment where many are unwilling to consider opposing viewpoints.
Lewis points out that American media rarely offers balanced views from both ends of the political spectrum, citing the decline of local newspapers that previously provided impartial coverage as a contributing factor to the increasingly opinionated and less balanced media landscape.
Risk Of Being Targeted and Harassed For Reporting
Journalists on Sensitive Gender and Race Issues Face Backlash, Deterring Future Engagement
Lewis shares her experience reporting on sensitive topics like youth gender medicine and sports sex testing, where the challenge lies in debunking myths versus making constructive points. Jo ...
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Challenges In Reporting On Contentious and Ideologically-Charged Topics
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Counterarguments
- While maintaining impartiality is challenging, some argue that true objectivity is impossible and that journalists should instead strive for transparency about their biases.
- It could be argued that the difficulty in reporting U.S. politics impartially is not unique to the U.S. but is a common challenge in any deeply divided society.
- There is a perspective that media bias is not necessarily a decline in balanced coverage but a reflection of the diverse and segmented audiences that different media outlets serve.
- Some might suggest that backlash and harassment, while serious issues, can also serve to highlight the importance of the topics being reported and the need for courageous journalism.
- The decision to correct misinformation versus reporting new stories is not always binary; some journalists might argue for a combined approach that integrates fact-checking into regular reporting.
- The question of whether an issue is worth reporting might be met wit ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by actively seeking out news from sources across the political spectrum. Start by identifying one publication or media outlet that leans opposite to your usual preferences and commit to reading one article from there each week. This practice will expose you to different viewpoints and help you understand the broader landscape of political reporting.
- Develop a habit of fact-checking information you come across on social media before sharing it. Use tools like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or Google's reverse image search to verify the authenticity of news stories, images, and claims. This will help you become more discerning about misinformation and contribute to a more informed public discourse.
- Engage in reflective journaling to explore ...
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