Megaphone Effect
What does George Saunders mean by “The Braindead Megaphone”?
A loud voice dominates discussion & drowns out complex ideas
What’s one reliable fact-checking website?
Politifact, Snopes, etc.
What do social media algorithms prioritize?
Engagement—likes, comments, shares, controversy.
What should you do before sharing a post on social media?
Check the source, verify the info, fact-check.
How does the "megaphone guy" gain power in media and politics? Name one factor
Emotional appeals
controversy
simple messaging
repetition
social media algorithms (feed)
What’s the “Illusory Truth Effect”?
When people believe false information simply because they’ve heard it multiple times.
What’s the term for when different people see completely different versions of the same news based on their social media feeds?
Filter bubble
What’s one good strategy for consuming balanced news?
Compare sources across the political spectrum.
Why do people believe fake news even after it’s been exposed?
- Cognitive bias & repetition
- see something enough, we assume it’s true.
What’s a common tactic used in fake news to manipulate emotions?
Fear-mongering, clickbait headlines, emotional language
How can you escape an echo chamber? (Name one way.)
Follow diverse sources, engage in respectful debates, fact-check.
Should social media companies regulate fake news? Give one argument for or against.
Open-ended discussion question—teams can debate.
What’s the term for when people only listen to sources that confirm their beliefs?
Echo Chamber
If a post has thousands of likes and shares, does that mean it’s true? Why or why not
No, social media rewards engagement, not truth.
What’s the danger of “doomscrolling”?
It exposes people to excessive negative news, creating anxiety and bias
How can you use your own "megaphone" for good?
Encourage critical thinking, avoid spreading false info, and amplify important issues responsibly.
Give one real-world example of a "megaphone guy" influencing public opinion (not from our case study)
multiple correct answers...
Name two things you should check before believing an online news story.
Source credibility, author background, date, supporting evidence
What’s one way influencers use their “megaphone” to manipulate audiences?
Selective editing, misleading data, emotional manipulation, outrage tactics.
What’s the most important question you should ask yourself when consuming media?
Who is behind this message, and what’s their goal?