The readings for this week are:
These articles consider the impact of "Fake News" on the 2016 Presidential Election:
The top 20 fake news stories outperformed real news at the end of the 2016 campaign
Facebook fake-news writer: 'I think Donald Trump is in the White House because of me'
How Teens In The Balkans Are Duping Trump Supporters With Fake News
We Tracked Down A Fake-News Creator In The Suburbs. Here's What We Learned
These articles discuss the impact of the information wars occurring on the Internet:
Hillary Clinton Was the First Casualty in the New Information Wars
UW professor: The information war is real, and we’re losing it
We desperately need a way to defend against online propaganda
Russian troll factory paid US activists to help fund protests during election
These articles consider the role of technology companies in enabling "Fake News":
After Trump's win, even some in Silicon Valley wonder: Has Facebook grown too influential?
Mark Zuckerberg is in denial about how Facebook is harming our politics
Facebook admits it must do more to stop the spread of misinformation on its platform
Facebook, Google, Twitter tell Congress their platforms spread Russian-backed propaganda
These articles consider how technology companies curate their content:
Former Facebook Workers: We Routinely Suppressed Conservative News
Facebook Tweaks Its 'Trending Topics' Algorithm To Better Reflect Real News
These articles consider how "Fake News" impacts these companies bottom lines:
Twitter Offered Russian Television Network RT 15% Of Its Total Share Of US Elections Advertising
Facebook and Google Won't Let Fake News Sites Use Their Ad Networks
Google has banned 200 publishers since it passed a new policy against fake news
Twitter drops hammer and sickle on RT, Sputnik ad buys over election shenanigans
These articles discuss the idea of a echo chamber or filter bubble:
These articles examine the problem of trolling:
These articles explore Gamergate:
Anita Sarkeesian goes on Colbert. You'll totally believe what happens next
Gamergate Goons Can Scream All They Want, But They Can't Stop Progress
GamerGate's Archvillain Is Really A Trolling Sketch Comedian
These articles consider the Reddit's approach to regulating trolling:
“Repugnant” online discussions are not illegal thoughtcrime, court rules
Reddit cracks down on abuse as CEO apologizes for trolling the trolls
These articles consider the Twitter's approach to regulating trolling:
These articles consider cyberbullying:
These articles consider the role of anonymity in trolling:
Google Plus Finally Gives Up on Its Ineffective, Dangerous Real-Name Policy
In-Depth: Why Was Blizzard's 'Real ID' Such An Issue? Exclusive
Facebook is changing the way it enforces its real name policy
Changes to Facebook's "Real Names" Policy Still Don't Fix the Problem
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the course, please provide your feedback at the end of your response.
Please write a response to one of the following questions:
From the readings, what exactly is meant by the term "Fake News"? Do you find the deluge of this content as harmless, annoying, or dangerous? Should technology companies monitor and suppress "Fake News"?
Take a look at your Facebook or social media feeds and that of your friends and family. Does it contain "Fake News"? If so, how much? What is your response when you see such items?
What is the responsibility of social media platform providers such as Facebook and Twitter in regards to regulating "Fake News"? Are you comfortable with a private entity censoring information?
What is the responsibility of news or content aggregators such as Facebook and Google in regards to regulating "Fake News"? Are you comfortable with a private entity classifying information as "fake"?
What role do you believe "Fake News" played in the 2016 presidential election? Is the current focus on "Fake News" warranted or not?
How much do you rely on social media such as Facebook or Twitter for your daily news? Are you living in an echo chamber or even concerned about a filter bubble? If so, what are some ways to break out of the bubble?
Finally, does the rise of social media and "Fake News" mean we live in a "post-fact" world? Does truth stand a chance in a world dominated by "Fake News"?
From the readings and from your experience, what exactly is trolling? How does this behavior manifest itself and what are its causes and effects? Likewise, what is cyberbullying and how is it different from regular bullying?
What ethical or moral obligations do technology companies have in regards to preventing or suppressing online harassment (such as trolling or stalking)?
What do you make of Gamergate? Is this evidence of the dangers of anonymity on the Internet or is this behavior something we simply need to tolerate in order to maintain freedom of expression?
Is cyberbullying a major problem on the Internet? Do people, especially children, need special protection from harassment or should they just "deal with it"?
Is trolling a major problem on the Internet? What is your approach to handling trolls? Are you a troll?!?!?
Are "real name" policies useful or harmful in combating online abuse? Do you use services that require you to use your real name? Why or why not?
Finally, is anonymity on the Internet a blessing or a curse? Is the Internet itself a platform for useful and fruitful discussion or is it a wasteland of memes and trolls? What good can come out of an online dialogue?
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the course, please provide your feedback at the end of your response.