The Misinformation of Capitol Hill

Once a beacon of limitless opportunity, the internet has become a high-stakes battleground. As we approach the 2024 presidential election, it’s clear that the web and its cousin social media aren't just platforms for political engagement; it is the theater where opposing views go mano y mano and where democracy and progress are actively working to undermine and silence. To say the urgency of this moment is critical, not an overstatement.

Globally, there are agents that have made it to the pro leagues of spreading misinformation, disinformation, and outright falsehoods. Social media platforms, originally designed to connect us and foster genuine dialogue, have become breeding grounds for sensationalism. The more outrageous the claim, the faster it spreads. Bots—automated accounts that flood these platforms with misleading content—further exacerbate the issue. Studies reveal that up to 30% of social media interactions are driven by bots, creating an environment where truth is perpetually under siege.

This intersection with misinformation resonates deeply with the narrative work of Embrace Boston. As an organization, we’re committed to counter-narrative storytelling across all our platforms. Our mission is to confront historical and ongoing injustices by amplifying marginalized voices and ensuring that accurate, transformative narratives shape our collective understanding. As we address systemic inequities within our communities, we must confront the digital landscape that distorts and undermines these efforts.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t about abstract debates on “free speech” or “open dialogue.” What we’re witnessing is a calculated and strategic assault on those advocating for transformative change. Consider the broader implications of how misinformation can undermine the work of organizations striving for social change. The real danger extends beyond individual leaders. Rampant misinformation, manipulation, and unchecked lies threaten the very fabric of our democratic process and erode trust in our electoral system and governance. As a result, we are seeing a rise in cynicism and mistrust in our elected leaders and political processes. We saw this vividly in 2016, when an extremist disinformation campaign shook confidence in our elections, and again in 2020 when baseless fraud claims fueled the attack on the Capitol. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

What was once envisioned as a space where new ideas could flourish, and marginalized voices could be heard is now a poisoned soil where toxic rhetoric drowns out those voices. Nothing can thrive in such an environment.

So, what can we do? First, we must acknowledge the challenge before us. This isn’t merely about spreading messages; it’s about confronting a deliberate extremist effort to undermine democratic principles. We must enhance digital literacy, enabling people to sift through the noise and discern genuine information. We must also strengthen our defenses against cyberattacks and prepare ourselves for future digital threats.

More importantly, we need to demand accountability from social media companies. These platforms have benefited from the chaos while pretending to be neutral. It’s time to advocate for transparency in political advertising and insist that these companies take meaningful action against misinformation. If they fall short, they should face tangible consequences—legal, financial, and reputational.

Finally, we must invest in creating and nurturing alternative spaces where authentic dialogue can flourish. Whether by developing new platforms or revitalizing existing ones, we must build resilient communities against online falsehoods. This effort aligns with Embrace Boston’s mission to reshape narratives and foster transformative change.

The fight for the future of our democracy is unfolding right now, online, in real-time. Let us overcome this challenge by building a stronger, more informed community. Together, we can safeguard our democracy and ensure the American democratic experiment is one of hope, resilience, and progress.

Imari Paris Jeffries Ph.D. is the president and CEO of Embrace Boston , where he is leading a citywide racial equity transformation through The Embrace monument, the National Embrace Center, and Embrace Boston’s Signature Event Series, including five events touching on the areas of arts and culture, community, research, and policy.