David Pakman: The Algorithm Is Built for the Right

David Pakman: The Algorithm Is Built for the Right

From The Find Out Podcast by Find Out Media & Studio71

September 8, 2026 · 1h 0m · Episode 137

About this episode

David Pakman discusses the impact of social media algorithms on political discourse and the challenges faced by nuanced arguments in today's media landscape.

David Pakman's new book, Pay Attention, argues that nuance loses, and he brings the receipts: the platforms reward fear, anger, and messages short enough for a bumper sticker, which happens to be the right's native language. Say "the vaccines are killing millions" and it travels. Explain what vaccines actually do and you've already lost the room.We get into why the left's infighting is a feature of the algorithm rather than a real split in the party, how conservatives often aren't disagreeing with our facts so much as never being served them, and why debate-bro marathons measure preparation instead of truth. Then it gets personal: David landed on the White House's media offenders list alongside Brian Tyler Cohen, and having grown up in the shadow of Argentina's dictatorship, he's not laughing it off. We close on 2028 and whether JD Vance is a real threat or a wet futon in a suit. Pay Attention is out now, with signed copies at DavidPakman.com/attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: David Pakman

Topics covered

  • social media algorithms
  • political discourse
  • left vs right dynamics
  • media influence
  • 2028 election

Keywords

  • David Pakman
  • social media
  • algorithms
  • politics
  • Pay Attention
  • 2028 election
  • media
  • left
  • right
  • discourse

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: White House, Find Out Media & Studio71

Products: Pay Attention

Places: Argentina

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