Part 12/17:
The speakers examine how the internet and social media are rewiring society, amplifying both positive and negative effects. They note that social platforms are designed to be addictive, with algorithms modeled on gambling techniques like slot machines, keeping users engaged for profit. They warn of the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the reshaping of stories versus facts, citing Yuval Noah Harari’s work on how human culture is driven more by narratives—religions, political dogmas—than by empirical truths. They critique the widespread denial of climate change and environmental degradation, noting how political and corporate interests rebrand fossil fuels as “freedom gas” to obscure harmful realities.