
Episode 1011 • • 18:21 - 24:30
1011: Vasectomies & Dogs
Russian Internet Research Agency and Social Media Marketing
Journalist Adrian Chen discusses his investigation into the Internet Research Agency, a Russian "troll factory" based in St. Petersburg. The operation utilizes social media marketing tactics to create online discord and generate advertising revenue rather than executing a sophisticated state-sponsored disinformation campaign. Chen argues that the American public's paranoia regarding Russian bots may be more impactful than the actual content produced by the 90-person staff.
