Has The Internet Become Our Gollum?
Facebook Has A Misinformation Problem And They Play It For Profit
QUICK READ: A Facebook whistleblower recently revealed documents demonstrating that Facebook allowed misinformation about Covid to linger with deadly consequences. The documents also revealed that Facebook regularly promotes political divisiveness for monetary gain through carefully constructed algorithms.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
There is a dark side to what initially was proclaimed “a mind-expanding utopia, where we could freely exchange new ideas and contemplate other points of view.”
Troll factories, disinformation, echo chambers, hate algorithms, and “fake” news have become a permanent part of the landscape of our news and information.
Now, a splintering of news sources promotes evidence-based journalism, news as entertainment, fully “alternative facts,” and entire conspiracy theory-based networks composing propaganda that goes well beyond any mere differences of political ideology.
This fractured online community lacks a fact-based, shared narrative of experiences. This has damaged our democracy and its institutions.
Social media giants like Facebook and Twitter have multiplied the range and speed of disinformation in astonishing ways. A recent example of all this came from within the social media giant Facebook itself.
A Facebook whistleblower turned over documents demonstrating that Facebook allowed misinformation about Covid to linger with deadly consequences. Also, the documents revealed that the company regularly promotes political divisiveness for profit.
We can’t afford to leave solutions to the media giants. Bipartisan bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to limit disinformation. Tell your MoCs if you want democracy protected from disinformation.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Call and remind him Our representatives need to thoroughly understand the dangers posed by propaganda networks and disinformation across all media. We need to create regulatory bodies and put safeguards in place to protect democracy.
Action 3:
Other opportunities for action include:
WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY,
FRIDAY, NOV. 12, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/
Further Reading:
What Facebook knew about covid-19 misinformation — and didn’t tell Congress - The Washington Post
What Leaked Internal Documents Reveal About The Damage Facebook Has Caused : NPR
Bipartisan bill aims to reduce sway of "opaque algorithms" on tech platforms - Axios
Facebook execs denied covid misinformation despite internal alarm bells - The Washington Post
Poll shows just how far COVID-19 misinformation has traveled | TheHill
Facebook can’t be trusted to stop spread of extremism, experts tell Senate
