Things have only gotten worse on the fascist front since this episode was recorded, but that only makes the discussion here all the more important, so thanks for listening!

Board secretary Karen Kosch and founder Jared Dubin discuss community, fascism, social media, and the book bans now menacing schools in Florida and elsewhere. 

In part 1, Karen and Jared unpack the fundamentals of community, and how its lack can become fertile ground for fascism. They go on to discuss how social media, with all its potential for good, often only fans the flames of divisiveness and makes matters worse. 

In part 2, the conversation continues as Karen and Jared dig deep into why social media so often leads to polarization and isolation. They explain how profit-driven algorithms “enrage to engage,” a method of driving user attention with dangerous consequences. 

In part 3, Karen and Jared discuss how these consequences are illustrated through recent book bans plaguing Florida and threatening elsewhere. They conclude the conversation with an eye towards non-political solutions to local problems, fueled by community and facilitated with good technology. It’s a conversation we all need to be having while social media continues to hold a central role in our world! This is part 3!

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Music in this episode is "El Arte del Olvido" by Anibal Seminara

https://uppbeat.io/t/anibal-seminara/el-arte-del-olvido

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