WCPT 820 Interview: David Pakman

Richard Chew is joined by David Pakman, host of "The David Pakman Show" and author of the new book "Pay Attention: How the Algorithms and Media Wars Are Suppressing Truth and Rewiring Your Brain" (out September 22). The conversation examined how social media algorithms narrow attention, amplify conflict, and shape political messaging. Here is a brief summary of the conversation. - Pakman explained that recommendations engines prioritize engagement and prolonged platform use rather than truth or social benefit. - Algorithms increasingly narrow users’ apparent interests and emphasize anger, fear, enemies, and disagreements. - Children may be especially vulnerable because they are less able to recognize how platforms manipulate attention. - Pakman argued that progressive communicators must use social platforms more effectively without adopting lies, conspiracy theories, or dishonest tactics. - Short, emotional claims often outperform accurate but nuanced explanations, creating a strategic disadvantage for truth-based messaging. - He recommended examining why particular content is being recommended and understanding how stories spread through informational silos. Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views). Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal