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Stop the online conspiracy theorists before they break democracy
The Guardian ^

Posted on 02/18/2019 9:32:20 AM PST by MNDude

Across Europe, conspiracy theories that mix old antisemitic tropes with new ones that demonise migrants and Muslims have gained huge traction since the refugee crisis in 2015. A recent study showed that a stunning 60% of Brits believe in at least one conspiracy theory. The ideas that a cabal of global elites run the world, that there is a plot to replace white English natives with Muslim migrants and that the authorities are covering up immigration numbers are among the most commonly held.

In QAnon forums, it is hard to overlook the holy mess of logical fallacies and contradictions. Its adherents link the MI6, Facebook and the Rothschilds to the Vatican, Hollywood, the Nazis, the Illuminati and aliens in order to explain that climate change is a hoax, the Holocaust never happened, the world is run by paedophiles, Satanists and cannibals and that the Queen is a direct descendent of prophet Mohammed.

Beyond inspiring attacks on perceived enemies, the spread of conspiracy theories can, in the long-term, sow societal divisions and undermine confidence in democratic processes, institutions and representatives. At a time when distrust in the political establishment runs exceptionally high, it is easy to tap into existing suspicions and fill information gaps with fabricated news and distorted statistics.

The architecture of social media platforms plays into the hands of extreme fringe groups by pushing users towards sensationalist content. The tech firms’ business models and algorithms are geared to maximise the time users spend on their platforms. Governments and big tech firms are slowly starting to push back against the systematic diffusion of disinformation.

(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: brexit; chat; dnctalkingpoint; dnctalkingpoints; genderdysphoria; globalwarminghoax; greennewdeal; homosexualagenda; mediawingofthednc; nonplayercharacter; nonplayercharacters; npc; npcs; partisanmediashills; presstitutes; q; smearmachine; unitedkingdom
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Last month, YouTube announced that it would change its algorithms to stop recommending so many conspiracy theory videos. Meanwhile, the NGO OpenAI decided that it would not release its “deepfakes for text” tool because its researchers feared misuse. And the release on Monday of the UK parliament’s DCMS select committee report demonstrates just how seriously the problems are being taken. But solutions to these problems need to be identified. Policies should require greater algorithmic transparency and accountability from tech firms in order to protect future elections. Instead of focusing exclusively on the removal of extreme content and accounts, it will be necessary to regulate against harmful infrastructures and malicious behaviours. As early adopters of new technologies, extremists will otherwise continue to exploit the latest innovations of cyberspace.
1 posted on 02/18/2019 9:32:20 AM PST by MNDude
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To: MNDude

Smiley Face Fascism engages New Technology for some Old Fashioned censorship!


2 posted on 02/18/2019 9:33:47 AM PST by Regulator
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To: MNDude

I agree, let’s start with the Russian collusion election conspiracy.


3 posted on 02/18/2019 9:34:20 AM PST by outpostinmass2
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To: Regulator

“A recent study showed that a stunning 60% of Brits believe in at least one conspiracy theory.”

But those at The Guardian know better, and must guide them in the right direction.


4 posted on 02/18/2019 9:35:11 AM PST by MNDude (WWG1WGAalso)
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To: MNDude
...it is easy to tap into existing suspicions and fill information gaps with fabricated news and distorted statistics.

Well dear Media, why are there so many information gaps? Hmm?

5 posted on 02/18/2019 9:36:49 AM PST by BitWielder1 (I'd rather have Unequal Wealth than Equal Poverty.)
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To: MNDude

If it’s true it’s not a conspiracy theory, it’s just a conspiracy.


6 posted on 02/18/2019 9:38:52 AM PST by Lurkinanloomin (Natural Born Citizen Means Born Here of Citizen Parents_Know Islam, No Peace-No Islam, Know Peace)
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To: MNDude

“The ideas that a cabal of global elites run the world, that there is a plot to replace white English natives with Muslim migrants and that the authorities are covering up immigration numbers are among the most commonly held.”

The Muzzies did a good job of replacing white natives, at least in government, in London haven’t they.

“Bilderberg: World’s most powerful flock to annual secret meeting”
I’ll bet they just talked about golf and grandkids..oh wait. I’ve confused them with the Clinton/Lynch meeting.


7 posted on 02/18/2019 9:40:24 AM PST by antidemoncrat
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To: MNDude

The ideas that a cabal of global elites run the world, that there is a plot to replace white English natives with Muslim migrants and that the authorities are covering up immigration numbers are among the most commonly held.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maybe because they have eyes that see.

Same thing is happening in the USA only our invaders are the Spanish speaking variety.


8 posted on 02/18/2019 9:41:35 AM PST by Lurkinanloomin (Natural Born Citizen Means Born Here of Citizen Parents_Know Islam, No Peace-No Islam, Know Peace)
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To: MNDude
a QAnon supporter killed his brother, whom he thought was a lizard.

That figures...

9 posted on 02/18/2019 9:47:47 AM PST by TomServo
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To: MNDude

In QAnon forums, it is hard to overlook the holy mess of logical fallacies and contradictions. Its adherents link the MI6, Facebook and the Rothschilds to the Vatican, Hollywood, the Nazis, the Illuminati and aliens in order to explain that climate change is a hoax, the Holocaust never happened, the world is run by paedophiles, Satanists and cannibals and that the Queen is a direct descendent of prophet Mohammed. And yet this virtual cosmos of absurd stories can inspire real-world incidents: just last month, a QAnon supporter killed his brother, whom he thought was a lizard. “Can me and my pals Raid MI6 DVD & GO2 Offices in London ourselves please”, another QAnon believer suggested in a private messaging app.

- - - - -
WOW! Good thing FreeRepublic.com keeps these crazies in their own thread!


10 posted on 02/18/2019 9:48:23 AM PST by SubMareener (Save us from Quarterly Freepathons! Become a MONTHLY DONOR)
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To: MNDude

Muslims and Islam are my arch enemy. I will never give into them or give up the fight. They are the hands of the Devil and as a Christian I will fight them till the end of time!


11 posted on 02/18/2019 9:49:02 AM PST by spincaster (ust)
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To: MNDude

Yes, and isn’t that what they do? Mix in the crazy with the true in order to taint the whole mix? A “theory” isn’t a theory if it’s true. I.E. that a cabal of elites are working together to destroy their own working classes in America and Europe, and thereby, creating their dream of a two-tier society?


12 posted on 02/18/2019 10:01:22 AM PST by 13Sisters76 ("It is amazing how many people mistake a certain hip snideness for sophistication. " Thos. Sowell)
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To: MNDude

“Do not question your betters bringing in muslim hordes to rape your children, enslave your women and behead your men or we will have muslim hordes rape your children, enslave your women and behead your men.”


13 posted on 02/18/2019 10:05:32 AM PST by Grimmy (equivocation is but the first step along the road to capitulation)
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To: MNDude

How about that conspiracy theory that the federal government let hundreds of black men with syphillis go untreated for research purposes?

It was probably made up by anti-vaxxers who don’t trust the government enough to let them shoot them with whatever the government says is best for us.


14 posted on 02/18/2019 10:08:14 AM PST by Teotwawki (For a person to get a thing without paying for it, another must pay for it without getting it.)
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To: SubMareener

There’s no reason to believe the Guardian’s accuracy or objectivity.


15 posted on 02/18/2019 10:09:21 AM PST by ifinnegan (Democrats kill babies and harvest their organs to sell)
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To: MNDude

So to fight conspiracy theories, they launch a conspiracy.

Great Scott do these people sniff glue and eat lead paint on the weekends?


16 posted on 02/18/2019 10:15:09 AM PST by redgolum
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To: MNDude
One of the favorite tactics of the Left is to divert attention from fair & accurate analysis of Leftist actions, by labelling the analysis as "Conspiracy theory." It is not a "theory," but an easily understood fact that many in education & the mass media, have embraced a pseudo intellectual effort to undermine traditional national aspirations of Western peoples, in pursuit of a "new world order," based upon the easily demonstrated folly of human interchangeability.

Here is a piece on the American variety of this seditious pursuit, in play for over two generations:

Surrender By Subterfuge

17 posted on 02/18/2019 10:18:22 AM PST by Ohioan
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To: MNDude

Scum Democrats want to ramp up the oppression.


18 posted on 02/18/2019 10:18:53 AM PST by stinkerpot65 (Global warming is a Marxist lie.)
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To: MNDude

I’m conflicted on this. I get it, people think the media is liberal biased so they seek alternatives. And I like freedom of information. But sometimes they end up with some wackadoo stuff. And when you try to point that out they think I’M the one being naive so you can’t win ha


19 posted on 02/18/2019 10:23:40 AM PST by Nomad577
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To: MNDude
What does FEAR look like? - Q

The powers that be are scared. People are waking up to the obvious, they don't believe what they are being told.

Take online conspiracy talk with a grain of salt, look at both sides. Eventually truth becomes apparent.

20 posted on 02/18/2019 10:24:04 AM PST by CtBigPat (Qanon - Please be real...)
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