Social media business models inducing hate and polarisation online

ISD France’s Senior Advisor, Iris Boyer, participated in a panel for French TV channel LCP discussing the spread of hate online and the role of social networks in the issue.

She joined former Minister of Digital Affairs, Mounir Mahjoubi, and Conspiracy Watch founder, Rudy Reichstadt, and the discussion was led by journalist Jean-Pierre Gratien. During the panel, Iris provides insights on the structure of hate and conspiracy networks, and how social media business models are inducing more polarisation.

“The business model of social networks contributes to fostering engagement around strong emotions”, she said. “This can be a multitude of cute cat videos, but also content that will arouse anger, hatred”.

For a short clip from the panel, click here. Full panel is available online.