Forget the Kim Jong Uns and Recep Tayyip Erdoğans of the world. The real dictators are Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and the all tech bosses who control social media, according to a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Maria Ressa, a prominent journalist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her tireless advocacy of media freedom, has made bold statements about the influence of tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, referring to them as “the largest dictators.” Ressa, of American-Filipina descent, has been embroiled in legal battles against charges filed during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines. Despite Duterte’s authoritarian tendencies, Ressa asserts that figures like Zuckerberg and Musk wield even greater power.
Speaking at the Hay Literary Festival in Powys, Ressa highlighted the pervasive influence of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which have the ability to manipulate users’ emotions and perceptions. She argued that regardless of cultural or geographical differences, people worldwide are subject to the same manipulative tactics employed by tech companies.
Ressa pointed out the role of online discourse in fostering polarization, citing examples from the Philippines and the United States. She emphasized how identity politics discussions, such as those surrounding race and socioeconomic status, have been exploited to sow division and chaos. Ressa noted that even movements like Black Lives Matter have been targeted by external propaganda campaigns aimed at stoking conflict.
Concerned about the impact of tech companies on society, Ressa proposed two solutions. Firstly, she called for the repeal of Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields internet companies from legal liability for user-generated content. Additionally, she advised parents to limit their children’s exposure to social media due to its addictive nature.
While acknowledging efforts to regulate platforms like TikTok, Ressa cautioned against focusing solely on specific companies, urging a broader examination of social media’s influence. She warned of the deteriorating quality of online information, exacerbated by the proliferation of low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence.
Ressa urged individuals to engage in real-world activities and connect with friends and family to counteract the influence of online manipulation. She emphasized the importance of being vigilant against information operations targeting users and encouraged collective action to address these issues.
In summary, Ressa’s remarks underscore the need for greater scrutiny of tech giants and their impact on society. By raising awareness of the manipulative tactics employed by social media platforms, she seeks to empower individuals to take control of their online experiences and foster a more informed and resilient society.
(With inputs from agencies)
