I really like your informative analysis and thoughtful consideration of Big Tech/Big Data’s role in (not) influencing peoples’ beliefs. I learned several things I wasn’t aware of, and it got me thinking more about how much agency people still have in determining their own perspective.
Another piece I think is relevant is some of the recent research about how beliefs are formed and reinforced. The You Are Not So Smart podcast has a great series of episodes on this subject, including their latest installment which discusses the idea that humans don’t maintain beliefs so much as “attitudes”, for which we often select supporting beliefs. I think it’s a very worthwhile supplement to your piece, and can be listened to here: YANSS Episode 120 - The Backfire Effect - Part 4
