Podcast Summary: TED Talks Daily

Episode: A surprisingly effective way to fight misinformation | Dave Jorgenson
Date: February 23, 2026
Host: Elise Hu (TED)
Speaker: Dave Jorgenson (Journalist, Comedian, Video Creator)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dave Jorgenson explores the timeless challenge of adapting to new forms of media and the ongoing battle against misinformation. Drawing on history, his own viral videos, and plenty of humor, Jorgenson demonstrates why media literacy has never been more crucial—and how laughter can be a surprisingly effective tool in helping people separate fact from fiction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is Media? (03:37–06:17)

• Historical Examples:

  • Quipu (03:37): Jorgenson introduces the Incan record-keeping device, demonstrating that media has always taken diverse forms, even those we might not recognize as such.
  • Ancient Media (04:36): He references Plato's writing on the potential dangers of written words being misinterpreted—a fear about new media that’s centuries old.
  • Early Film Reaction (05:44): The Lumière brothers’ film of a train startled early audiences: "Rumor has it that's how people reacted to it when they first saw it in theaters. They jumped out of the way. Very scary. We just weren't ready for that type of media yet." (Dave Jorgenson, 06:17)

• Insight: We have always been unsettled by new media technologies and their ability to be misunderstood or manipulative.

2. Media-Induced Panic Through the Ages (06:17–09:37)

• 1938 Orson Welles' “War of the Worlds” Radio Broadcast (06:43):

  • Caused mass panic because people mistook fiction for fact.
  • "People heard this broadcast and were literally in the streets forming mobs." (Dave Jorgenson, 07:05)

• Internet Hoaxes and Email Scams:

  • Jorgenson recalls viral email chain letters and Nigerian prince scams, emphasizing our repeated vulnerabilities to new misinformation vectors.

• Insight: Each new media form—whether print, film, radio, or digital—brings cycles of confusion, fear, and eventual adaptation.

3. Defining and Understanding Media Literacy (09:37–11:08)

• Definition:
  “Media literacy, which is best defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in various forms.” (Dave Jorgenson, 09:37)

• Personal Example – The PEZ Dispenser Video:

  • A viral TikTok incorrectly showed a new way to load PEZ candy, sparking widespread belief in misinformation.
  • Jorgenson debunked the video, using it as a lighthearted entry point into more serious media literacy issues.

4. Modern Misinformation: AI, Deepfakes, and Viral Claims (11:08–13:40)

• Case Study – Will Smith’s AI-Generated Crowd Video (11:08):

  • A video appeared to show crowds with AI-generated anomalies (e.g., “a lot of extra fingers”).
  • While the video was fake, the photos were real: “The video is fake, but the people are real.” (Dave Jorgenson, 12:20)
  • Discussion of YouTube’s image enhancement—a form of AI—blurs the lines between authentic and synthetic media.

• Insight: Even tech-savvy audiences can be misled by videos that combine real images with AI artistry.

5. Viral Myths and Mass Panic in the Social Media Age (13:40–15:55)

• 2025 TikTok Rapture Prediction:

  • A strange rapture prophecy swept TikTok, with followers earnestly preparing for the end based on hearsay.
  • Jorgenson traced its roots to a 2018 dream by a South African YouTuber, posted much later.

  Quote:
  "Why is no one questioning where this prediction came from and why it happened?" (Dave Jorgenson, 13:59)

  • Notable comedic exchange:
    • "The actual word rapture isn't in the Bible."
    • "But I saw it on TikTok, so everything I see online is true." (14:43)

6. The Psychology of Misinformation: Fear vs. Humor (15:55–16:56)

• Fake News Spreads Faster than Truth:
  "Fear and misinformation travel six times faster than the truth." (Dave Jorgenson, 15:55)
  Referencing studies, Dave highlights that emotional content (especially fear) fuels the viral spread of falsehoods.

• Humor as an Antidote:

  • Jorgenson argues that humor is more powerful than fear when it comes to diffusing hot takes and inviting skepticism.
  • “Because it's much easier to talk to someone when you make yourself the butt of the joke. And rather than talk down to someone, they're not necessarily going to respond to that.” (Dave Jorgenson, 16:23)

7. Concluding Thoughts: Media Literacy for the Future (16:56–17:21)

• Hopeful Outlook:
  • We've always feared new media, but adaptation is possible—and humor helps.
  • "Ultimately we don't need to be scared of media. As long as we acknowledge that every time there's a new form of media, a new unprecedented form, we can overcome it and be a little bit less scared and have a little more fun." (Dave Jorgenson, 16:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the timelessness of media skepticism:
  "So in other words, people have always been afraid of media and how it could be manipulated." (Dave Jorgenson, 04:48)

• On the contagiousness of fear:
  "Fear and misinformation travel six times faster than the truth." (15:55)

• On the power of humor in media literacy:
  "Humor is my way into informing the masses and really kind of meeting them where they are." (16:23)

• On humanity’s adaptation to media:
  "Every time there's a new form of media, a new unprecedented form, we can overcome it and be a little bit less scared and have a little more fun." (16:56)

Important Timestamps

• 03:37: Introduction to media through historical artifacts
• 06:43: “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast panic
• 09:37: Defining media literacy
• 11:08: The Will Smith AI video breakdown
• 13:40: TikTok rapture prophecy and mass belief
• 15:55: Why fear-driven stories spread fastest
• 16:23: Humor as a strategic tool in fighting misinformation
• 16:56: Concluding message of hope and resilience

Summary Takeaways

• Media literacy—questioning and understanding media—is critical in an age of sophisticated misinformation.
• From ancient khipu knots to TikTok rapture predictions, history shows we've always been wary (and sometimes fooled) by new media.
• Misinformation spreads quickly, especially when it stokes fear—but humor and curiosity can help slow it, inviting people to question what they see.
• Jorgenson’s own experiences (debunking TikToks, using sketches) illustrate how lightheartedness breaks through media skepticism, fostering trust and engagement.
• Fear of new technology is part of the human condition, but learning, laughing, and adapting can keep us one step ahead.

This TED Talk not only informs but entertains, offering both historical context and practical hope for navigating our ever-evolving media landscape.