'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 evidence is presented regarding the impact of social media on democracy?

How did Trump's name influence engagement on social media platforms?

What is meant by 'digital authoritarianism' as discussed in the text?

What concerns are raised about the integrity of elections in relation to social media?

What contingency plans do social media platforms have in case of election-related unrest?