In this episode, investigative journalist Mark Albert dives deep into the pressing issue of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age. He and host John Bates explore how social media algorithms contribute to the spread of false narratives and why discerning news consumption is essential for a healthy democracy. Mark emphasizes the importance of supporting trustworthy journalism, shares eye-opening statistics about online disinformation, and highlights how foreign and domestic actors manipulate public opinion. Key Takeaways: - The Information Crisis: With more access to information than ever, we are also bombarded with misleading content. - Journalism's Role: Professional journalism plays a critical role in offering well-rounded, reliable news. - The Emotional Manipulation of Disinformation: Watch out for news that evokes strong emotions—this could be a sign of manipulation. - Polarization and Political Violence: Mark discusses the alarming rise in political violence and the dangerous division in society. - The Global Influence on US Elections: How foreign powers, including Russia, China, and Iran, aim to destabilize US democracy by spreading disinformation. Quote of the Episode: "If all you're consuming is ice cream, you're missing the nutritious information your mind needs." This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to better understand the complexities of our media landscape and how to be a more informed, responsible news consumer and citizen. Listen Now!