Middle Rage - Social Media and the War on Democracy (emf2026)

What happens when the people we think of as “having it all sorted” start being quietly pulled towards extremism online? This talk from the SMIDGE project shines a light on an often-overlooked group: the middle aged. This includes some of the most powerful people in the world CEOs, influencers and politicians. For most however, middle-age looks very different: juggling jobs, children, ageing parents, mortgages, and a constant stream of news, advice, and opinions online. Far from being “sorted,” this stage of life is full of pressures including health worries, financial strain, and caring responsibilities. So, when something appears online that promises a clear explanation, a simple answer, or someone to blame, it can be hard not to pay attention. The problem is that the systems shaping what we see are not designed to inform us but are designed to keep us engaged. AI-driven content is becoming more convincing by the day, blurring the line between what is real and what is not. What starts as an innocent search for diet tips or money advice can lead down a path towards more extreme, emotionally charged content. Not suddenly, but step by step. This talk explores why the “invisible middle” matters both as a group vulnerable to misinformation, and as one with real influence over how ideas spread. Because if we want to understand radicalisation today, we cannot afford to ignore the middle aged. Licensed to the public under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ about this event: https://www.emfcamp.org/schedule/2026/129-middle-rage-social-media-and-the-war-on-democracy