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SMIDGECAST
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Welcome to SmidgeCast, the podcast channel of the SMIDGE Project.
We explore the intricate web of issues surrounding the surge of extremist narratives in Europe through insightful conversations and expert perspectives.
EP 10 - The Morality Effect: How Emotions Spread Through Framed Narratives
In this episode of the SmidgeCast, Christian Gulas, Network Analyst and Data Scientist at FASResearch in Vienna, explores the powerful link between moral framing and the emotions it triggers online. Why is democracy-endangering content so emotionally compelling and viral? How do social media platforms amplify morally charged messaging, especially from extremist voices? We discuss the mechanics of the attention economy, revealing how moral-emotional narratives are used to capture and sustain attention, influence political discourse, and erode democratic norms.
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Youtube
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EP8 - Keep Calm, Double-Check and Be Skeptical
In this episode of Smidgecast, we discuss the evolving role of fact-checking in the digital era. Who should be responsible? Where’s the line between regulation and free speech? And how do we tackle deepfakes, AI-generated disinformation, and political influences? Joining us is Professor Giovanni Ziccardi, an expert in legal informatics and digital rights at the University of Milan. As part of the Smidge Project, he and his team analyse the impact of online extremism and misinformation on public trust and policymaking.
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YouTube
Spotify
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EP6 - Empowering Thinking Skills to Address Today’s Challenges
Kalypso Iordanou, Professor of Psychology at UCLan Cyprus, is featured in our 6th episode for an insightful conversation on the power of critical thinking skills in today’s digital landscape. As misinformation and extremism spread rapidly across social media and online platforms, developing robust thinking skills is more important than ever. Professor Iordanou explores what it means to think critically, how we can cultivate these essential skills, and why they’re key to making informed decisions, avoiding manipulation, and engaging responsibly with online content.
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YouTube
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EP4 Conspiracy Theories: Networks, emotions and moral values
In this episode, Christian Gulas, a network analyst from FAS Research in Vienna, explains his role in analyzing the spread and attractiveness of disinformation and conspiracy theories on social media platforms. We explore the social and semantic structures that make these theories so compelling, the role of emotions like fear and anger, and how social media's business model and algorithms contribute to the proliferation of conspiracy theories.
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EP2 - Extremism, Power, Vulnerability in Midlife
In this episode of the Smidgecast, Sara Wilford from De Montfort University discusses the vulnerability of middle-aged individuals to misinformation and the impact of the digital landscape on their information consumption. Dr. Wilford explains the unique focus of the SMIDGE Project on this demographic group, addressing why it has been historically overlooked in research studies. Through insightful analysis, she uncovers the underlying reasons behind this demographic's susceptibility to online extremism, conspiracy theories and misinformation, emphasizing the urgency of tailored interventions to combat these issues effectively.
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YouTube
Spotify
Amazon Music
iHeartRadio
Podchase
Boomplay
ep 9- Facing AI's Ethical Challenges: Towards a Safer Future
In this episode of the Smidgecast, we welcome back Dr. Sara Wilford from De Montfort University to explore the ethical complexities researchers face in today’s digitally driven world. As a key figure in the SMIDGE Project, Dr. Wilford offers unique insights into the intersection of misinformation, surveillance, AI, and data ethics. Throughout the conversation, we explore how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the ethical landscape, particularly in data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the use of personal data in research. Dr. Wilford offers thoughtful perspectives on how governments, corporations, and academic institutions can build a framework for ethical responsibility, and how projects like SMIDGE can serve as a model for tackling these urgent challenges.
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Youtube
Spotify
EP7 - The Intersection of Disinformation and Politics
In our 7th episode, we are joined by Dan Ilazi, Head of Research at the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), for a discussion on security, radicalization and the role of information in shaping conflicts. Dan shares his path into the field and his focus on the interplay between ethnicity, politics and radicalization. The conversation covers the use of disinformation as a tool of foreign influence, the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing harmful content and the potential for digital spaces to foster resilience against extremism. Throughout the conversation, we explore how governments, international organizations and civil society can work together to combat these threats and safeguard vulnerable communities.
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YouTube
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EP5-Hybridization and Extremism: Understanding the New Threat
In this episode of the SmidgeCast, we explore the evolving landscape of extremism with Line Nybro Petersen and Mikkel Baekby Johansen from the University of Copenhagen (UCPH). They explain the hybridization of extremist ideologies, where radical beliefs blend with mainstream culture, conspiracy theories, and personal grievances, creating new and complex forms of radicalization. We also discuss "Hype Spaces," the digital environments where these hybrid ideologies thrive, and examine the role influencers and social media users play in spreading extreme content.
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YouTube
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EP3 - AI in Education for Addressing Intersection with Disinformation, Misinformation and Fake News
Researchers Maria Rita Bracchini and Fabrizio Boldrini from Fondazione Villa Montesca discuss the profound implications of AI on teaching and learning, exploring its potential benefits, risks and ethical considerations. They share insights on how AI is reshaping educational paradigms and how educators can navigate the challenges posed by disinformation, conspiracy theories and online extremism.
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YouTube
Spotify
Amazon Music
EP1 - Extremism and Conspiracy Theories Online
In the inaugural episode of SmidgeCast, Prof. Giovanni Ziccardi takes center stage, exploring the intricate landscape of the SMIDGE Project's mission against disinformation and online extremism. Delving into the realms of misinformation and conspiracy theories, Prof. Ziccardi discusses their specific impact on middle-aged individuals. The episode offers invaluable insights, providing a roadmap to combat online extremism, especially in the wake of the post-COVID-19 era and the US Capitol attack.
Listen on:
YouTube
Spotify
Amazon Music
iHeartRadio
Podchaser