The next decade of life on the internet will be even more dominated by trolls and fake news than it is now, according to more than 1,000 technology experts.
According to a massive study by the Pew Research Center and Elon University, more than 80% of those surveyed think that troll culture will be at least as powerful in 2027 as it is now.
Researchers asked 1,537 experts – defined as “technologists, futurists and scholars” – whether they thought the internet of tomorrow would be more or less shaped by trolls, harassers and an atmosphere of distrust and disgust.
39% said they think current trends will get worse, 42% predict no change, while just 19% expect any kind of solution.
The experts were interviewed in July and August last year – when the presidential election was approaching its most bitterly-fought phase.
The experts cited a concoction of factors contributing to the present dominance of trolling, and largely said they did not expect them to change.
They include the potent combination of anonymity and human nature, ever-expanding internet use and the long-term decline of the mainstream media as an arbiter of debate.
Some also noted that the presence of trolling is financially rewarding for social networks and media outlets – since it drives attention – and is therefore unlikely to vanish.
More optimistic experts suggested that AI and legislation might help turn the tide – though those solutions would also be fraught with difficultly and inevitable accusations of bias.
The experts – perhaps predictably – concluded that any anti-troll measures will likely come specifically at the expense of free speech.
You can read the full report here.
