Astroturf and manipulation of media messages | Sharyl Attkisson | TEDxUniversityofNevada

Summary

This script discusses the dangers of 'astroturfing,' a deceptive practice where special interests create fake grassroots support to manipulate public opinion. It uses the example of a fictitious drug, cholextra, to illustrate how easily one can be misled by well-crafted narratives on social media, Wikipedia, and even peer-reviewed journals. The speaker warns of the prevalence of such tactics and offers strategies to recognize propaganda, urging listeners to become more discerning consumers of information.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The speaker warns about the potential manipulation of public opinion through carefully constructed narratives, likening it to 'The Truman Show'.
• 💊 The fictitious drug 'cholextra' is used as an example to illustrate how information about a product can be manipulated to appear more effective than it is.
• 🤔 The importance of doing independent research is emphasized, as relying solely on media and social platforms can lead to a skewed understanding.
• 🌱 The concept of 'Astroturf' is introduced as a deceptive method used by special interests to create the illusion of grassroots support for their agendas.
• 📢 Astroturf tactics include using inflammatory language, attacking those who question authority, and spreading disinformation to confuse the public.
• 📰 The speaker points out that even reputable sources like Wikipedia can be manipulated by anonymous editors to serve special interests.
• 👨‍⚕️ Doctors and medical professionals can be influenced or paid by pharmaceutical companies, which can affect their recommendations and the information they provide.
• 🏥 The speaker shares a personal experience where a non-profit study was actually sponsored by a pharmaceutical company to promote a new drug.
• 🔎 The speaker suggests strategies for recognizing propaganda and astroturf, such as looking for inflammatory language and questioning the motives behind information.
• 👓 The call to action is to become a more discerning consumer of information, questioning what we read and seeking out the truth beyond the surface.

Q & A

What is the fictitious cholesterol-lowering drug mentioned in the script?

The fictitious cholesterol-lowering drug mentioned in the script is called cholextra.

What is the potential issue with the drug cholextra according to the script?

According to the script, there is a potential link between the drug cholextra and cancer, which is dismissed by medical experts as a myth.

What is the term used to describe fake grassroots movements in the script?

The term used to describe fake grassroots movements in the script is 'Astroturf.'

How does Astroturf attempt to manipulate public opinion according to the script?

Astroturf attempts to manipulate public opinion by creating the impression of widespread support for or against an agenda when there isn't, and by making individuals feel like outliers when they are not.

What is an example given in the script where Astroturf might influence public perception?

An example given in the script is the controversy surrounding the name of the Washington Redskins, where Astroturf could be used to make it seem like the majority finds the name offensive when the actual percentage is less.

How does Astroturf use Wikipedia to its advantage according to the script?

Astroturf uses Wikipedia by having anonymous editors control and co-opt pages on behalf of special interests, forbidding and reversing edits that go against their agenda, and skewing or deleting information.

What was the issue with Philip Roth's attempt to correct a Wikipedia page as mentioned in the script?

Philip Roth tried to correct a major fact error about the inspiration behind one of his book characters on a Wikipedia page, but his edits were repeatedly reverted back to the false information by Wikipedia's editors.

What was the scandal involving Wikipedia officials that the script refers to?

The scandal mentioned in the script was when Wikipedia officials were caught offering a PR service to skew and edit information on behalf of paid publicity-seeking clients, which was in opposition to Wikipedia's supposed policies.

How does the script suggest that the drug company behind cholextra manipulated public opinion?

The script suggests that the drug company manipulated public opinion by creating positive social media content, monitoring Wikipedia pages, optimizing Google search results, founding and funding a non-profit to post positive comments, financing a positive study, and paying doctors to publicly endorse the drug.

What strategies does the speaker suggest to recognize signs of propaganda and Astroturf?

The speaker suggests looking for the use of inflammatory language, debunking non-myths, attacking people rather than addressing facts, and reserving skepticism for those exposing wrongdoing rather than the wrongdoers as signs of propaganda and Astroturf.

What is the main message the speaker wants the audience to take away from the script?

The main message the speaker wants the audience to take away is to become a wiser consumer of information by questioning what they read and not taking everything at face value, especially in an increasingly artificial, paid-for reality.