'Social Dilemma' Stars: There Would Be No Trump Without Social Media

The transcript discusses the significant impact of social media on the decline of democracy and the rise of authoritarian regimes globally, with a focus on the 2016 U.S. election. It highlights how Trump's name became a key driver of newsfeed engagement, influencing public attention and election outcomes. The attention economy is emphasized as a critical factor in elections, favoring those who can generate the most outrage. Concerns are raised about the integrity of elections and democracy, with platforms acknowledging their potential negative effects and preparing contingency plans for ambiguous election outcomes.

What was identified as a key factor in newsfeed engagement during the 2016 U.S. presidential election?

• The word 'Election'

• The word 'Social Media'

• The word 'Democracy'

• The word 'Trump'

How does the attention economy influence election outcomes?

• By promoting candidates with the most detailed policies

• By favoring candidates who can capture attention with outrageous statements

• By ensuring equal media coverage for all candidates

• By focusing on candidates with the most financial resources

What is a consequence of the attention economy on global politics?

• Increased voter turnout

• Rise of digital authoritarianism

• More balanced media reporting

• Decline in political engagement

What concerns are raised about social media platforms in relation to elections?

• They are too slow in delivering news

• They have a distorting effect on reality

• They provide too much information

• They are too expensive to access

What measures do social media platforms have in place for ambiguous election outcomes?

• Enhanced privacy settings

• More user engagement activities

• Glass breaking options and contingency plans

• Increased advertising