8 big thinkers to follow on social media in 2021

Journalists, doctors, and others you should know.

Photo composite by Derek Beres, from Instagram and YouTube
  • While social media is often a source of disinformation, some thought leaders are using their platforms as a force for good.
  • Social networks offer an opportunity for readers to learn science-backed advice from top professionals in their fields.
  • From journalists covering disinformation to a doctor giving the best physical therapy advice around, these influential voices deserve wide audiences.
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Anti-vaxx groups spend nearly $1 billion on social media

Fear-mongering is now a billion-dollar industry.

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  • The Center for Countering Digital Hate found that anti-vaxx groups reach 58 million users on social media, earning the platforms roughly $1B in revenue.
  • The Center's founder, Imran Ahmed, says giving anti-vaxxers attention feeds the algorithms, further perpetuating the noise.
  • In this interview with Big Think, Ahmed says the best thing we can do is offer credible information to change the algorithms.
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Pope: 'Fake news started in the Garden of Eden'

Pope Francis’ 2018 World Communications Day message explains the dangers of fake news and what journalists and the public must do to combat it.

(NICHOLAS KAMM)

In his message for 2018 World Communications Day, Pope Francis rallied to the defense of journalism—if not the news media—comparing fake news to the snake in the Garden of Eden for its misleading, destructive power. This is a valuable, clear-eyed message for anyone, regardless of belief system. And to be clear, the pope’s not talking about fake news as defined in White House press briefings or presidential tweets. He has something very different—nearly the opposite—in mind:

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