555. How the Internet Is Breaking Our Brains | Sam Harris

Renowned intellectuals Jordan Peterson and Sam Harris deliberate over the consequences of the information landscape fragmentation on society, culture, and politics.

Shared Narratives and Cultural Cohesion Breakdown From Communication Channel Proliferation

The proliferation of communication channels has fundamentally shifted the dynamics of society’s shared narratives.

The Internet and Social Media Revolution Has Shattered Traditional Communication, Undermining Dominant Institutions and Gatekeepers

Jordan Peterson argues that the rise of hyperconnectivity and countless communication channels due to the Internet and social media has fragmented the communication landscape - once unifying society. He expresses concern over the loss of shared cultural narratives. Sam Harris echoes this sentiment and considers how this fragmentation has rendered governance arduous.

Online Echo Chambers Widen Divides and Hinder Bridging

Harris mentions that the "cultural immune system" - the forced exposure to diverse opinions and facts - has weakened with the internet's formation of echo chambers, where any opinion finds vast confirmation. Peterson reflects on the past influence of powerful information brokers like universities, newspapers, and broadcasting, noting the decline of these gatekeeper roles.

Erosion of Shared Truth Standards and Journalism Integrity

The credibility of established sources of information is increasingly challenged in the modern, fragmented landscape.

Credibility of Authoritative Sources Like New York Times and Universities Compromised

Peterson exhibits distrust in traditional gatekeeping institutions like the New York Times, finding it reprehensible, and calls out universities such as Columbia University for remaining silent and complicit during demonstrations, which he perceives a ...

Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson explore how upholding standards and rebuilding trusted institutions are crucial in maintaining a healthy information ecosystem, particularly as gatekeeping institutions face challenges.

Upholding Rigorous Standards Amidst Failed Gatekeepers

Apply Old Standards Diligently to Combat Falsehoods and Irresponsible Rhetoric

Harris insists on applying old norms and standards to counteract falsehoods and irresponsible rhetoric, despite the apparent failures of institutions that traditionally upheld these values. He reflects on the time when entities like The New York Times functioned by certain standards and proposes that reviving these principles is critical. Harris argues that upholding rigorous scientific and journalistic standards can serve as an antidote to the failures experienced by these institutions. He emphasizes the importance of reliable science and integrity in combatting the rise of a contrarian universe that overlooks the rigorous standards once maintained by traditional pillars like The New York Times and Harvard.

Rebuilding Trusted Institutions to Foster Truth-Seeking Behavior

Without Intermediaries, "Parasites" and "Psychopaths" Exploit the Information Landscape for Personal Gain

Peterson draws attention to the consequences of misaligned cultural aims, which could lead to societal disintegration, similar to the Tower of Babel. This analogy suggests that without proper mediation or oversight, the information landscape could be easily exploited. The speakers touch upon the impact of online anonymity that gives way to predatory behaviors. They discuss the problem with the current information landscape where entities unaffiliated with established standards are gaining attention and suggest that without trusted intermediaries, such individuals can manipulate the system for personal gain.

Peterson observes that free communication is often exploited by "parasites," evidenced by the proliferation of bot-generated internet communication. He recounts how the expulsion of ...

Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson delve deep into the addictive nature and cultural impact of social media platforms such as Twitter, discussing their potential to erode impulse control and alter public discourse.

Addictive Nature of Platforms Like Twitter Eroding Impulse Control

Temptation to React to Rapidly Spread Online "Emergencies" Disconnected From Reality

Harris and Peterson take a critical look at online platforms and their compulsive pull. Harris specifically mentions Elon Musk's impulsive behavior on Twitter, which led to issues with the SEC, as an example of how online environments can destabilize self-regulation. This lure of immediate reaction is likened by Peterson to the addictive properties of cocaine, where the rate of administration correlates with the increase in addiction potential.

Social media platforms and AI algorithms, as Harris and Peterson describe, are optimized to hijack attention for short bursts, much like the appeal of a slot machine. These platforms incentivize users to publish their instantaneous reactions to worldwide audiences, profoundly transforming public discourse from intelligent contemplation to impulsive outbursts.

Sam Harris likens Twitter to a "digital serpent," with its incessant notifications disrupting his day and fracturing his attention span, despite non-toxic exchanges of information. He observes how the platform fosters an "illusion of emergency," compelling users to engage with what seem like critical situations that, in reality, have no actual impact on their day-to-day life. According to Harris, this fosters a skewed perception, where the need to respond to online events is inflated by the immediacy and broad reach of the platform, often leading to regret for reactivity.

Peterson mentions his own tendency towards impulsivity exacerbated by social media, leading to reactions he sometimes regrets. He acknowledges the need to mitigate this behavior by introducing "a variety of fences," or intermediary structures, that deliberately delay his responses to content, combating the platform's impulsive nature.

Social Media's Impact: From Intelligent Minds to Impulsive Outbursts

Harris and Peterson discuss how social media platforms, particularly Twitter, might encourage behaviors that resemble psychopathy, which would be drastically out of character in normal interpersonal contexts. Harris notes that people behave differently online than they would in face-to-face interactions, indicating a core disparity between online and offline personas.

The platforms change the dynamic of interpersonal communication, encouraging rapid, impulsive responses as opposed to thoughtful, considered dialogue. Harris describes how leaving Twitter has allowed him to assess the true urgency of online controversies and build a s ...

As Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson discuss, the internet has seen a disturbing rise in misinformation, extremism, and antisemitism, highlighted by incidents involving influential podcasts and personalities.

Holocaust Denial and Antisemitism Spread Via Influential Podcasts

Sam Harris identifies specific incidents where big podcasts have amplified the voices of Holocaust deniers and revisionists. He singles out Candace Owens, who appeared on popular podcasts and perpetuated extreme narratives like blood libels, exacerbating the spread of misinformation and extremism. Harris expresses concern about podcast audiences that dismiss facts in favor of narratives confirming their biases.

Tucker Carlson invited amateur historian Darrell Cooper on his podcast, where he seemingly focused on a political project rather than truth-seeking journalism, which Harris suggests includes spreading misinformation and antisemitic views. Cooper has made appearances on both Carlson’s and Joe Rogan’s podcasts, echoing claims similar to notorious Holocaust denier David Irving, arguing that the Nazis stumbled into the Holocaust due to logistical issues, rather than it being intentional genocide.

Manipulation of Social Media Algorithms to Spread Divisive False Narratives

Harris and Peterson discuss the manipulation of social media algorithms as a catalyst for spreading divisive and false narratives. While not explicitly mentioned in specific parts of their conversation, the manipulation of these algorithms can be inferred from how misinformation, such as Cooper’s appearances on popular podcasts, reaches large audiences. Further, Elon Musk has been criticized for allowing individuals like Nick Fuentes and Kanye West, both associated with anti-Semitic views, back onto the platform he owns. Musk also raises eyebrows with his behavior that appears to trivialize Nazism, which Harris sees as controversial trolling rather than an expression of genuine solidarity with the ideology.

Combating Toxicity: Good Intentions Can Inadvertently Contribute

Emerging AI-generated Impersonations and Deepfakes Threaten Online ...