Key Learning: To understand the ways in which the rise of the internet has fragmented society and fractured humankind’s experiences and grand narratives.

Source one:

Beware online “filter bubbles” Eli Pariser

Consider how our experiences of the world have been fragmented and fractured.

Important terms and ideas in this video

  • Personalised Search Results
  • Filter Bubble
  • Future aspirational selves and impulsive present selves.
  • Informational Vegetables and Informational Dessert
  • Broadcast Society vs Narrow Cast Algorithmic Gatekeepers
  • Why should we watch things which are challenging or uncomfortable?
  •  Civic responsibility
  • What did we dream the internet could be?
  • What is a web of one?

What impact do you think this has on social cohesion and unity?

Source two:

How Fake News Grows in a Post-Fact World | Ali Velshi

How have we ended up in a post fact world and explain how this has lead to the relatively recent phenomena of Fake News?

Important terms and ideas in this video

  • Reliable sources
  • ‘Fact news sows confusion that obscures basic facts, thereby impeding necessary debate.’
  • Sponsored Content
  • Satire
  • Delegitimise journalism
  • Holding power to account
  • Alternative facts
  • Fake news is crowding out real news
  • Algorithms decide on the news you see based on where you surf.
  • Clickbait and cookies
  • You are more likely to repost salacious news.

What does living in a post-fact world mean for democracy and social unity?

Plenary Debate

What is the combined impact of filter bubbles and fake news on society and democracy?

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