#009 - Emotional Contagion and the Algorithmic Nervous System

This deep dive examines how social platforms spread emotional states, not just information.Using the idea of the “algorithmic nervous system,” I explain how fear, anger, outrage, pride, and belonging can be amplified through engagement-based platforms faster than reflective judgment can stabilize them.The episode looks at emotional contagion, outrage clustering, algorithmic amplification, and why emotionally intense content often spreads more effectively than accurate or nuanced content.The key point is simple: cognitive defense is not only about asking whether information is true. It is also about asking what emotional state the information is creating in us.This episode continues the Affective-Bias Cognitive Defense framework by shifting from individual emotions to networked emotional environments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonnelson55.substack.com