Alyssa Mercante

Alyssa Mercante, a journalist targeted for exposing harassment in gaming, dives into the chilling revival of Gamergate-style attacks. She shares her harrowing experiences of being at the center of a smear campaign and the impact on her career and mental health. Alyssa discusses the toxic online culture perpetuated by algorithms and the complicity of gaming companies. With a focus on gender dynamics, she highlights the disproportionate backlash women face in the industry and advocates for collective action against online harassment.

Alyssa Mercante, a Senior reporter at Digiday, and Matthew Frank, an Associate editor at The Ankler, dive into how gambling is taking over mainstream entertainment, impacting everything from Oscar predictions to video games. They discuss the rise of prediction markets and the blurred lines between betting and political events. Jeremy Barr from The Guardian shares insights into the turmoil at CBS News under Bari Weiss, explaining the underlying tensions and their broader implications. The conversation reveals a cultural shift where gambling influences our enjoyment of art and media.

André Alexis, award-winning Canadian novelist and essayist, offers literary context for Stan Douglas’s work. Riley Yesno, Anishinaabe scholar and cultural critic, probes colonial themes and staged histories. Alyssa Mercante, tech and culture reporter, breaks down the Los Angeles trial over social media design and youth harm. They discuss colonial narratives, reconstructed histories, platform liability, and what the trial might change.