Breaking the Set Season 2 Episode 187 Pitchforks for the Plutocrats and How Facebook Emotionally Manipulates You

In Breaking the Set season 2 episode 187 titled "Pitchforks for the Plutocrats and How Facebook Emotionally Manipulates You," host Abby Martin covers two important and timely topics.

First, she explores income inequality and the growing frustration of everyday Americans with the super-rich. Martin discusses the recent comments made by venture capitalist Tom Perkins, who compared the supposed persecution of the wealthy in America today to the Holocaust. Martin offers a scathing criticism of Perkins, arguing that his comments reveal an alarming lack of empathy for the true human suffering experienced during the Holocaust. She also points out that Perkins' comments highlight a larger issue with the wealthy elite in the United States: their increasing detachment from the lived experiences of most Americans. Martin argues that this detachment is dangerous for society as a whole, and suggests that it is time for everyday people to demand more equitable policies that prioritize the needs of all citizens, not just the rich.

In the second half of the episode, Martin tackles the issue of emotional manipulation on social media, specifically focusing on Facebook. She explains how Facebook's algorithm is designed to show users content that will keep them on the site for as long as possible - even if that means viewing emotionally charged or politically divisive content. Martin argues that this algorithmic manipulation can be harmful for users, as it may reinforce extremist views or exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression. She also points out that Facebook's use of user data for advertising purposes further compromises users' privacy, and that as a society we need to be more cognizant of the risks involved with sharing our personal information so freely online.

Overall, "Pitchforks for the Plutocrats and How Facebook Emotionally Manipulates You" is a thought-provoking episode of Breaking the Set that raises important questions about income inequality and the role of big tech in our lives. By starting with a broad analysis of rising frustration with the wealthy elite, host Abby Martin offers a compelling case for why income inequality is a pressing social and political issue. She then brings this analysis down to the level of individual users on Facebook, highlighting how our own online behavior is being shaped by the platform's algorithm. Together, these topics offer a rich opportunity for reflection on the challenges facing modern American society.