DiResta delves into the complex interplay between technology and public opinion shaping
Renee Diresta
For those who were unable to attend the Dean’s Lecture Series on October 30, here’s a recap of Renée DiResta’s insightful discussion on her book, Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies Into Reality. Hosted by the Deans of the UMD College of Information and the UMD Philip Merrill College of Journalism, the lecture delved into the complex interplay between technology and public opinion shaping.
DiResta argues that our era is marked by the convergence of two influential systems within a single technological framework—the traditional propaganda machine and the widespread rumor mill. The book’s title is inspired by Edward Bernays’s observation: “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions.” Bernay emphasized that it’s often not the individuals we think influence us—like politicians—but rather the unseen propagandists behind them who shape our thoughts.
A key takeaway from DiResta’s talk is her insight into how media channels affect the spread of information. She explains that traditionally, elites and owners of media outlets had significant sway over public opinion. However, with the rise of the internet and social media, this dynamic has shifted drastically. Now, the power lies heavily with the public and user-created content, as the widespread reach and relatability of these channels often have a more profound impact than traditional media.
DiResta humorously noted, “I spend a lot of time looking at weird things on the internet,” when she discussed the false claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating their neighbors’ pets. She showcased how a piece of Facebook gossip can be memefied on X, ridiculed on TikTok, and yet translate into real-world repercussions. This highlights the concerning potential for online myths to seep into reality, causing tangible harm. Her detailed examination of viral rumors during the 2020 election provides further insight into this phenomenon and offers a glimpse of how the rumors floating around during this election season might turn into political violence in the next weeks and months.
DiResta’s work is a wake-up call to be cognizant of the origins of the information that shapes our perceptions.
Check out the recording here.