Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Hundreds of 'pink slime' local news outlets are distributing algorithmic stories and conservative talking points

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

Forget the content of these sites, which is a product of the times. Rather, consider the methodology, which is to use "low-cost automated story generation" technology to create networks of local news outlets. Why is this relevant? Because the idea is not far removed from online course sites of the same design (after all, the connectivist MOOC and Moncton Free Press have the same basic design). And this points to a dystopian future of online learning producing courses "typically during election cycles—and create and amplify material to support political outcomes." The trend is already entrenched in local media - how long before it becomes entrenched in education?

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Dec 10, 2024 5:13 p.m.

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