A Conversation with
Ed Bice
Understanding the Importance of Fact-Checking in Today’s Digital Age
In a recent episode of ‘Conversations with Tony Mobley’, Ed Bice, CEO of Meedan, shared insights into the world of fact-checking and its crucial role in combating misinformation in today’s digital age. Bice emphasized the need for users to interrogate content rather than merely reacting to it, highlighting the importance of media literacy.
Meedan’s Role in Promoting Media Literacy
Meedan, under Bice’s leadership, has been at the forefront of promoting media literacy. The organization has developed software that enables journalists to respond to misinformation in messaging spaces, empowering users to request fact-checks from trusted sources. This approach aims to provide a context layer on top of the web, allowing users to understand the context surrounding the content they encounter.
Ed Bice’s Vision for the Future of the Internet
Bice envisions a future where users have more control over the content they encounter on the internet. He advocates for a more decentralized web where users can choose third-party services to interrogate content, thereby empowering them to have more control over their digital spaces. This vision includes the idea of a context layer on top of the web, where users can opt-in for fact checks, context, and hate speech filters.
Ed Bice on Maria Ressa and the Nobel Peace Prize
Bice also shared his experiences working with Maria Ressa, a board member at Meedan and recent Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He described Ressa as a “candle burning bright inside a hot oven,” praising her commitment to social justice and her efforts to defend journalism in her home country, the Philippines.
Meedan’s Future Plans
Looking ahead, Meedan plans to scale up a large national election monitoring effort in the U.S. for the 2024 elections. The organization aims to connect hyper-local newsrooms and mainstream national newsrooms, scrutinizing political claims made on the campaign trail and matching them with available context or fact-checking.
Conclusion: The Power of Kindness and Empathy
In his closing remarks, Bice emphasized the power of kindness and empathy, stating that one can succeed in the world by being nice. His message serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for the people around us, a value that is at the core of Meedan’s mission.
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