Landslide: Engines of Outrage Pt. 4
Hosted by Ben Bradford
Release Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth installment of the Engines of Outrage series, NPR's Landslide delves into the profound impact of the Internet on our information consumption and the subsequent polarization it fosters. Hosted by award-winning journalist Ben Bradford, this episode intertwines historical perspectives with contemporary analysis to explore how digital media reshapes our political and social landscapes.

The Internet’s Impact on Content Creation and Consumption

The episode opens with a conversation between Ben Bradford and Atlantic writer Charlie Warzel about the transformative power of the Internet on content creation. Using YouTuber MrBeast as an example, Warzel illustrates the relentless drive for engagement that defines online media.

“He is sort of the human expression of the algorithm, right? Which is just like, do more, do more. Like do something. Oh, you did something cool. Top it.” — Charlie Warzel [01:12]

Warzel emphasizes how the demand for constant content leads creators to push boundaries, often resulting in sensational and high-stakes productions that thrive on viewer engagement.

The Evolution of Traditional Journalism

Transitioning from digital media, Ben Bradford introduces media historian Matt Pressman from Seton Hall University to discuss the evolution of traditional journalism. Pressman highlights the shift in investigative reporting during the 1960s and 70s, particularly through the New York Times’ coverage of NYPD corruption.

“Prior to the 1960s, you didn't really do that much to interrogate what the people in power were saying and doing. You weren't really trying to address the question of why things were happening.” — Matt Pressman [05:16]

Pressman explains how journalists began to adopt a more critical stance, seeking not just the “who, what, where, and when,” but also the “why,” fundamentally changing the nature of investigative journalism.

The Decline of Traditional News and Rise of Digital Media

The conversation shifts to the disruptive impact of the Internet on traditional news outlets. Pressman describes the gradual decline of newspapers, accelerated post-2008, leading to reduced quality and breadth in reporting.

“The newspapers have just been decimated. You know, many no longer exist. The ones that exist, for the most part are operating with… maybe 10% of the number of people that they had in the 1990s.” — Matt Pressman [07:29]

Bradford and Pressman discuss how the financial strain forced newsrooms to cut back, diminishing their ability to conduct in-depth reporting and maintain journalistic integrity.

Polarization and the 'Justification Machine'

Ben Bradford introduces the concept of the Internet acting as a "justification machine," a term coined by Warzel and a co-author to describe how digital platforms reinforce individual worldviews by presenting information that aligns with preexisting beliefs.

“We are attached to this Internet where there's this bespoke ability to get any kind of evidence that you want to support your opinion.” — Charlie Warzel [19:04]

This mechanism amplifies polarization by making it easier for individuals to find and share information that justifies their beliefs, often at the expense of factual accuracy and comprehensive understanding.

Case Study: Coverage of the January 6 Capitol Attack

Warzel provides a poignant example of the justification machine by examining the varied narratives surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack. While mainstream media reported it as a violent assault by fringe groups, right-wing media outlets propagated alternative explanations, portraying the event as a peaceful protest or an inside job.

“You’re trying to see what sticks.” — Charlie Warzel [17:25]

This divergence in narratives demonstrates how different media ecosystems can shape entirely disparate perceptions of the same event, deepening societal divides.

Combating the Information Divide

As the episode progresses, Ben Bradford seeks solutions to counteract the pervasive influence of the justification machine. Experts offer strategies to navigate the complex information landscape fostered by the Internet.

Expert Insights: Awareness and Intellectual Humility

Charlie Warzel emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional reactions to information:

“When I see something crossing my feet and I feel like all these defense mechanisms come up, I'm just simply letting myself know, okay, you're doing this, right? Just be on the lookout for this.” — Charlie Warzel [25:55]

Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation researcher, advocates for a more active approach to information consumption:

“Understanding how the polarizing content that's being presented to us and what it does to us can help us fight the engines of outrage.” — Ben Bradford [27:38]

Danicle Young, a media and political psychology expert, introduces the concept of intellectual humility:

“Maybe I'm wrong. It's called intellectual humility, and that is the extent to which people are willing to acknowledge that they might be wrong.” — Danicle Young [28:46]

Young argues that maintaining openness to the possibility of being wrong reduces susceptibility to misinformation, fostering a more resilient and informed populace.

Conclusion

Ben Bradford concludes the episode by acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the justification machine but remains cautiously optimistic. He underscores the necessity of individual and collective efforts to cultivate intellectual humility and mindful information consumption.

“Maybe I'm wrong.” — Danicle Young [28:46]

The episode wraps up by encouraging listeners to remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to news and information, emphasizing that awareness and intentionality are crucial in bridging the growing information divide.

Produced by Nuance Tales in partnership with WFAE and distributed by the NPR Network. For more information and to access the source list for this episode, visit nuancetales.com.