###### tags: `CDA`
# Reading Responses Chris Cohen

## Reading responses

### Sep 14 2021 (Tuesday) - Agnotology and epistemological fragmentation
Since the 2016 election, the conversation around the tangible impact
of social media and internet information on the world we live in has been
a frequent discussion.

Boyd's presentation discusses the rise in social media and internet use
and the effects it has had on information, specifically the intentional
use of social media algorithms in order to persuade an audience, often in
hopes of seeding doubt and conspiratorial beliefs. Her reference to the
ChristChurch massacre provides the audience with a relevant, well-known
event which expertly illuminates the use of the internent in order to
direct traffic intentionally.

The most compelling argument came when discussing the availibilty of
information. Boyd goes on to explain that in most cases, finding
scientific or well-researched work can be more difficult to find than
that of conspiracy or intentionally misleading pieces. People under 25
use Youtube as their primary search engine. As most conspiracy theory
pieces or 'alternate thoughts' are often created and propogated by
smaller creators or independently operated groups, Youtube and sites
like it are perfect places for them to be posted. Scientific works,
however, are often posted in more traditionally academic environments.
This can lead to young people being unfairly influenced as they will
encounter more 'alternate thoughts' in places they spend more of their
internet time.

One can argue that the onus should be on the individual to seek out
information in a variety of places, however I believe that does a
disservice to society as a whole. Instead, I would argue that
publications should strive to make their information as accessible as
possible in order to compete with the contradicting arguments that
are out there. I am a firm believer that when faced with a full picture
that includes both sides and all information, most people will be able to
decipher what is the right/wrong side of a topic. But without being able
to easily hear from both parties - therein lies the problem.

The internet is a new frontier, with innovation occurring at a constant
rate. There will always be people who's aim is to cause chaos and
distruction, it must be the goal of the collective to meet that
with a peaceful resistance of knowledge.