The Gray Area with Sean Illing Clickbait’s destructive legacy
36 snips
Jun 5, 2023 
Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor and author of "Traffic," dives into the chaotic world of digital media. He highlights how social media has reshaped journalism and political culture, prioritizing clicks over integrity. The discussion unpacks the evolution of content creation and its impact on society, revealing the darker side of virality and audience engagement. Smith also examines the shift from institutional trust to individual loyalty in media, raising questions about the future of journalism amidst AI and the complexities of trust in the digital age.
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Trump and the Algorithm
- Trump's success was partly due to Facebook's algorithms prioritizing engagement, particularly comments.
- This system inadvertently amplified transgressive content and outrage.
The Right's Digital Advantage
- Digital media shifted from a left-leaning space to a tool for the right.
- Figures like Andrew Breitbart and Steve Bannon utilized the tools and tactics of the digital left for their own purposes.
Baked Alaska's Transformation
- Baked Alaska, initially a left-leaning personality, transitioned to extremism as he sought online engagement.
- His story exemplifies how the internet can radicalize individuals seeking validation.
