Sep 20, 2025
In this episode, I sit down with
Marian-Andrei
Rizoiu, Associate Professor and head of the Behavioral
Data Science Lab at the University of Technology
Sydney. Drawing on a three-year research project into the
misinformation
ecosystem, he reveals that online conspiracies aren’t just
about false facts. Instead, they meet deep human needs for
belonging and identity.
We explore the idea that
misinformation is less a content problem and more a human problem, fueled by the
attention economy.
Rizoiu also weighs in on the growing debate around restricting
social media use, such as proposed bans for under-16s, unpacking
the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Keep your ears peeled for Part
2 next week
Linkedin: Marian-Andrei Rizoiu
