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# Understanding Big Tech's Impact on the Capitol Riot: A Deep Dive

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Chapter 1: The Podcast's Launch

This week marks the release of the third and final episode of the new podcast, Sudhir Breaks the Internet, which delves into the significant role tech companies played during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as the future trajectory of social media.

Launched on April 13 by the Freakonomics Radio Network, this podcast adds to its impressive lineup that investigates "the hidden side of everything." Hosted by Sudhir Venkatesh, a sociologist from Columbia University, the series provides an insider perspective on the challenges and potential of our digital landscape.

Having dedicated much of his career to researching the urban underbelly—encompassing gangs, sex work, and arms trafficking—Venkatesh shifted his focus to Silicon Valley’s intricate dynamics. He spent three years at Facebook (2017–2019), leading efforts to combat bullying and misinformation, followed by two years at Twitter (2019–2021), where he managed a research team focused on improving user safety.

Listen to the first three episodes below, and stay tuned for more from Sudhir Breaks the Internet.

Episode 1: Designed to Tear Us Apart

When online outrage escalated to real-world violence at the Capitol on January 6, major social media platforms responded by banning certain users, including the former president. What prompted these decisions? Was this an overreaction? Venkatesh examines how social media platforms are inherently designed to foster negative behavior, arguing that a single day of chaos cannot dismantle the long-standing attitudes in Silicon Valley that contribute to this issue.

Episode 2: The Garbage Can Model of Decision Making

What is it like to sift through millions of abusive posts daily? Venkatesh takes listeners inside Facebook, where he and his former colleagues share their struggles to promote civility in a company primarily driven by growth—often fueled by toxic interactions.

Episode 3: “Someone Needs to Save the World from Silicon Valley”

If major social media platforms are reluctant or unable to initiate substantial changes internally, the responsibility may fall to external forces to cultivate healthier online communities. Whether through niche platforms for shared interests, publicly-owned networks, self-regulation among user groups, or activist initiatives aimed at pressuring Twitter and Facebook for improvement, Venkatesh investigates the future of social media and the factors that contribute to societal success or failure.

Sudhir Breaks the Internet aims to leverage Venkatesh’s experiences and connections to interview key figures shaping the digital realm, exploring their motivations and scrutinizing their priorities.

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