"Lie Machines" - Summary

Lie machines are complex systems consisting of political actors, social media platforms, and paid consultants that generate and spread political lies, impacting democracy by manipulating public opinion and eroding trust in democratic institutions. These machines exploit cognitive biases and emotions to bypass rational thought, using data generated by individuals to craft manipulative content. They have been constructed in various countries, both authoritarian and democratic, to maintain or gain power.

Troll armies and bots are essential components of lie machines, as they amplify and disseminate misinformation on social media platforms. For example, China employs two million people to write 448 million messages a year, while Russia's troll armies have been known to influence public opinion both domestically and internationally. These automated accounts enable a small number of influential individuals to have a disproportionate share of the public conversation.

The impact of lie machines on democracy is significant, as they can create political deadlock, prevent consensus, and have serious consequences for communities. They can also subtly guide large numbers of people to distrust democratic institutions. A study found that during the 2016 US presidential election, fake news outperformed real news in global circulation over social media, highlighting the power of lie machines in shaping public opinion.

To counteract the negative effects of lie machines on democracy, it is crucial to understand their components and devise ways to dismantle or prevent them from being built. This involves examining the production, distribution, and marketing of political lies, as well as holding social media firms accountable and seeking technical solutions to the challenges facing democracy. By doing so, we can work towards a more transparent and trustworthy democratic process.