3 chapters across the catalog
Facebook announced a research project that will pay users between $10 and $20 per week to deactivate their Facebook and Instagram accounts prior to the 2020 election. The study aims to understand the platform's influence on political attitudes and behaviors. Researchers expect to recruit between 200,000 and 400,000 participants, though some critics remain skeptical of Facebook's data transparency.
Russian Social Media Influence, NFL Protests, Digital Missiles
A PBS report details how the Internet Research Agency allegedly used fake social media accounts to stoke American tensions regarding the NFL protests and Roseanne Barr. These activities are framed by some officials as a threat to critical infrastructure, while others dismiss the impact of "digital missiles" consisting of tweets and $100,000 in advertising. The discussion highlights the history of US interference in foreign elections as a counterpoint.
The debate over Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting centers on whether such interactions constitute "opposition research" or a reportable foreign contact. While critics point to mandatory disclosure forms for security clearances, the Trump team maintains the meeting was a brief, unproductive encounter regarding adoption and sanctions. The term "oppo research" is explored as a standard, albeit messy, part of political campaigns.
