Reality and the Psychology of Conspiracy Theory
The Conspiracy Theory of Everything - A 90 Minute Special
This is one of the best conspiracy videos I've ever seen. Originally uploaded to YouTube by channel Spirit Science on July 17, 2023, it has over 1.2M views. The video is marked as having a Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed).
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Am I the only person that never thought about deer fawn swimming??
Never even thought of it....
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Did every conspiracy theory about Twitter turn out to be... true?
The internal company documents offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the federal agencies distorted the public debate one of the world's largest social media platforms.
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https://reason.com/video/2023/01/09/d...
CORRECTION: This article originally described Nostr as a "blockchain-based social media site." Nostr is an open protocol that allows users to transmit a post over a decentralized network of relays using cryptographic keys.
The so-called Twitter Files, written by a group of independent journalists given access to internal company documents, offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the federal government shaped the flow of information on one of the world's largest social media platforms.
Some tech pundits say that the Twitter Files contain no secrets: they knew about the thousands of takedown requests the company receives every month from law enforcement agencies and the courts, or they had already opined about the immense challenges of content moderation. However, the Twitter Files have brought important new information to light. They show that the company stifled debate over important policy issues by shadowbanning certain accounts for no good reason and then misleading the public. They show that Twitter was routinely strongarmed by the White House and the FBI into complying with frivolous takedown requests. And they provide evidence that the intelligence community likely influenced the decision to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story during Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign.
"Almost every conspiracy theory that people had about Twitter turned out to be true," Elon Musk said on the All-In Podcast in late December. "Is there a conspiracy theory about Twitter that didn't turn out to be true?"
Conspiracy theorists are often sloppy with the facts and exaggerate what actually happened. But the information brought to light by the Twitter Files should be alarming to anyone who cares about free speech and a free society. Is the government meddling similarly with YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Google search? How can we prevent the internet from becoming a centralized apparatus through which state actors shape and censor public debate? Here are three major takeaways from the Twitter Files:
#1 Twitter distorted the conversation and misled the public
Twitter had a system of "whitelists" that allowed its algorithms and human moderators to turn engagement dials up and down based on what a user said. It used this power to limit the ability of certain groups and individuals to reach an audience, including conservative commentator Dan Bongino, Stanford economist and medical school professor Jay Bhattacharya, mRNA vaccine critic Alex Berenson, and the Libs of TikTok account.
#2 The government is secretly policing speech.
The most troubling thing about the Berenson de-platforming isn't Twitter's decision per se, but whether it made that decision freely. Was it done at the behest of the federal government? The Twitter files provide circumstantial evidence that the White House played a role.
#3 Twitter permitted covert state propaganda on its platform.
The U.S. ran sock-puppet accounts on Twitter and then may have tried to shut them down secretly when it looked like it was caught in the act.
Produced by Zach Weissmueller; edited by Regan Taylor; sound editing by John Osterhoudt.
Photo credits: PIERRE VILLARD/SIPA/Newscom; Adrien Fillon/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom; Al Drago - Pool via CNP/SIPA/Newscom; Alisdare Hickson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; CelebrityHomePhotos/Newscom; Daniel Oberhaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Dominick Sokotoff/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom; Dylan Stewart/Image of Sport/Newscom; Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; I, Aude, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image of Sport/Newscom; imageBROKER/Markus Mainka/Newscom; Jarek Tuszyński / CC-BY-SA-3.0 & GDFL, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Kyodo/Newscom; Kris Tripplaar/Sipa USA/Newscom; Lordalpha1, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons; LiPo Ching/TNS/Newscom; Michael Ho Wai Lee/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom ;Ministério Das Comunicações, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; New Media Daysderivative work: -- Cirt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Oliver Contreras - Pool via CNP/picture alliance / Consolidated News Photos/Newscom; Paul E Boucher/ZUMA Press/Newscom; picture alliance / Frank Duenzl/Newscom; Ron Sachs/picture alliance / Consolidated News Photos/Newscom; Ser Amantio di Nicolao, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Tesla Owners Club Belgium, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Newscom; Whoisjohngalt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Yichuan Cao/Sipa USA/Newscom; ZUMAPRESS/Newscom
Music Credits: "Fleeting Wave," by Palm Blue via Artlist; "Quiet Pull," by Tamuz Dekel via Artlist; "Ripples," Tamuz Dekel via Artlist; "Particles," by Nobou via Artlist; "From Above," by Dan Mayo via Artlist
This content is being reposted from YouTube channel ReasonTV and is marked as Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed).
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The goofiest animals faces you've ever seen
Funny animals making funny faces. ;)
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Fawns found in large field are trying to rest for the day
These fawns that were found in a large field don't seem to be bothered. Nevertheless, it's best to leave so they don't get stressed out.
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10 Great Sayings of Pablo Picasso
1. "Art is a lie that makes us realize truth."
2. "Every act of creation is first an act of destruction."
3. "The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
4. "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."
5. "Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions."
6. "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."
7. "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
8. "Give me a museum, and I'll fill it."
9. "It takes a long time to become young."
10. "Action is the foundational key to all success."
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Endangered sea manatee casually swims as suba divers look on
Sea manatees, also known as dugongs, are the most ornate and beautiful of marine mammals. These gentle herbivores, with their distinctive paddle-shaped tails and rounded bodies, have captivated attention. Unfortunately, they too have faced the threat of exploitation for their unique features, bringing them close to extinction. Fortunately, conservation laws and educational efforts have intervened, putting an end to the hunting of these peaceful creatures and contributing to a gradual increase in their populations. Sea manatees graze on seagrasses, using their flexible upper lips to feed on underwater vegetation. They are commonly found in shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and lagoons, gracefully gliding through the water with their slow movements. Despite their size, sea manatees are generally non-aggressive and add to the beauty of marine ecosystems. To ensure the survival of sea manatees, efforts are essential to combat threats such as habitat loss, boat strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. Many countries have implemented protective measures, including designated manatee sanctuaries and regulations in areas frequented by these remarkable marine creatures. Raising public awareness about the significance of preserving sea manatee habitats is crucial. Education plays a key role in fostering a sense of responsibility toward these magnificent animals. By appreciating and safeguarding the presence of sea manatees, we contribute to the conservation of a species that enriches our marine environments.
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Find comfort in the darkness and march through life with confidence
You got this.
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Your dog will love you no matter what
They are so much more loyal that people. Can you disagree?
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You can motivate yourself like this
Don't think, just do. You have to understand, if it was easy everyone would have it and it wouldn't be special. Push yourself every day. The human mind, and body, are capable of spectacular things.
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If you're feeling depressed reach out to someone
A friend, family member, a teacher, a co-worker, someone will listen. Get help. At some point in everyone's life they need assistance from someone else.
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This is how you accomplish your goals
You will achieve the success you earned, and you will suffer the failure you deserve.
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What's your story?
You don't have to understand others, but you can still help them find their path.
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Feeling unmotivated?
Motivation is combination of emotions that YOU control. Lean forward and take one step at a time, and you CAN accomplish your goals.
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These sea lions are living their best lives
SeaLions, OceanLife, Marine, Wildlife, Underwater, Seals, Nature, Conservation, Aquatic, Ecosystem, Mammals, Oceanography, Coastal, Flippers, Seascapes, Seafloor, Seaside, MarineBiology, SeaCreatures, Oceanography
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Aussie facts
I am really trying to grow my channel, please like, comment and follow!
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Australian Shepherd Loses Her Mind When Realizes She's at the Dog Park
Just another day at the dog park, acting like a dang fool! I love it!!!
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Oh great you found a mud puddle!
These dogs are losing their minds in this mud puddle at the dog park!
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Every day is the BEST day of my life!
I am trying very hard to grow my channel, I would greatly appreciate a follow!
PuppyLove, CutePuppies, PawfectCompanions, PuppyPlaytime, JoyfulPups, AdorablePets, FluffyFriends, PetAdventures, FurryFamily, PuppySnuggles, Pawparazzi, DoggyDays, PuppyLife
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Give. Me. Puppies!
PuppyLove, CutePuppies, PawfectCompanions, PuppyPlaytime, JoyfulPups, AdorablePets, FluffyFriends, PetAdventures, FurryFamily, PuppySnuggles, Pawparazzi, DoggyDays, PuppyLife
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The milky way is amazing.
Let's take a break from animals and enjoy the universe.
The Milky Way is a stunning galaxy that encompasses our solar system, a vast collection of stars, planets, and cosmic wonders. Spanning 100,000 light-years in diameter, it is a barred spiral galaxy containing billions of stars, dust, and gas. From our vantage point on Earth, the Milky Way appears as a luminous band stretching across the night sky. The galactic center, marked by a supermassive black hole, adds to its celestial allure. Capturing the beauty of the Milky Way in photographs reveals its intricate details, cosmic colors, and the awe-inspiring expanse of the universe.
#MilkyWayMagic, #StarryNight, #Astrophotography, #GalacticWonder, #SpaceExploration, #CelestialBeauty, #NightSky, #StargazingAdventure, #CosmicElegance, #UniverseMarvels, #AstronomyPhotography, #GalaxyView, #AstroNights, #SkyWatchers, #StellarSpectacle
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What's cuter than kittens? Answer: Nothing.
#KittensOfInstagram #CuteCats #AdorableKittens #KittenLove #CatLovers #KittenPlaytime #FluffyFriends #PetAdventures #CatLife #KittenMagic #FurryFriends #Purrfection #CutenessOverload #KittyKatJoy #FelineFiesta
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Why would baby elephants NOT be mud wrestling?
Baby elephants, also known as calves, are adorable and endearing creatures with several captivating traits. One lesser-known fact is that newborn elephants are not immediately capable of using their trunks for drinking water; it takes some time for them to develop the necessary coordination. Baby elephants often engage in playful behavior, exhibiting a joyful and exuberant spirit within their family groups. These young elephants form strong bonds with their mothers and other members of the herd, and they are doted upon by the entire elephant community. Additionally, baby elephants, like their adult counterparts, display impressive intelligence and are known for their ability to learn and problem-solve.
ElephantCalves, WildlifeBabies, ElephantLove, BabyAnimals, ElephantBehavior, AdorableElephants, WildlifeConservation, NatureAdventures, ElephantFamily, AnimalBonds, SafariLife, ConservationSuccess, ElephantAdventures, WildlifePhotography, NatureDiscovery
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