In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and society, the impact of conspiracy theories has become increasingly pronounced, particularly during times of crisis. Mike Rothschild, a journalist and recognized expert on the proliferation of misinformation, offers insights into the dynamics of conspiracy theories in the wake of disasters. His extensive research, which spans notable cases like QAnon and political narratives, highlights a troubling pattern: when tragedy strikes, misinformation surges, often obscuring the truth. Rothschild’s personal experience with a catastrophic fire in Altadena, California, illuminates the real-world effects of these theories, which frequently intertwine with cultural debates, such as climate change denialism. This perspective is part of a broader examination found in MIT Technology Review’s series on the resurgence of conspiracy theories and their implications for science and technology. Listeners can delve deeper into Rothschild’s findings in a subscriber-exclusive podcast discussion scheduled for November 9th, featuring a roundtable with MIT’s editorial team.
On a different front, a startup named Mireta is exploring the potential of slime mold to inspire innovative urban design. This peculiar organism, which has existed for millions of years, could hold the key to addressing modern urban challenges. Mireta aims to harness the biological capabilities of slime mold to develop algorithms that enhance city infrastructure, improve transit efficiency, and mitigate climate-related disruptions. As urban areas continue to grapple with congestion and environmental issues, the application of natural patterns observed in slime mold could provide a fresh perspective on sustainable city planning. The ongoing research into this fascinating intersection of biology and technology underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex urban dilemmas. For more captivating stories on science and technology, readers are encouraged to subscribe to MIT Technology Review.
Source: The Download: how to survive a conspiracy theory, and moldy cities via MIT Technology Review