The Joe Rogan Experience #1263 - Renée DiResta
Mar 12, 2019
Renée DiResta, Director of Research at New Knowledge and a Mozilla Fellow, dives deep into the underbelly of online disinformation. She discusses how social media evolved from self-expression to a powerful tool for manipulation. DiResta sheds light on Russian interference in the 2016 elections and its targeted campaigns against specific communities. The conversation also explores the complexities of navigating misinformation and the challenges of moderating content in a polarized digital landscape, emphasizing the need for discernment and awareness.
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Origin of Research
- Renée DiResta's research started with investigating anti-vaccine activity in California around 2015 after having her first baby.
- She wanted to understand how small groups amplified messages on social media, both legitimately and through coordinated efforts.
Russia's Entry
- The information ecosystem evolved over eight years, with unintended consequences exploited by Russia.
- Russian interference began around 2015, coinciding with early investigations into ISIS's social media use.
Russian Troll Tactics
- In 2016, Russian trolls targeted Americans on social media, mimicking existing trolling behavior.
- Their tactics involved creating sock puppet accounts and spreading propaganda about events like the annexation of Crimea and MH17.