Political Anxiety→ Live Podcast Recap
- The 44 North Team
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
by Mikaela Brewer for The 44 North
Key Event Insights To Remember & Guide You
*paraphrased from our
How can we truly be informed during the rise of AI & social media’s influence on political discourse?
Asante Haughton (A): The internet is juxtaposed with the real world. The internet never used to be real—we were told to go outside & talk to real people. Now, the internet is real. Have conversations with real people in our lives about misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories. We’re critical of the internet, but not everyone is. Reach them.
Walied Khogali Ali (W): AI has changed everything. If it’s taught bias in data mining, bias becomes easy to spread. At a policy level, data is overcharged. Platforms are learning through bias, such as in health care & of racialized groups. Ask how this is impacting our shared understanding of facts. Be involved in how we collectively regulate this data. AI didn’t appear magically—bias is built into all technology & it’s people who build it. We feed it bias to learn from, only for it to share bias back to us. What are we telling AI?
Brennan Jackson (B): Surround yourself with people who both do & don’t think like you. Facts don’t always align with beliefs, so put effort into fact-checking. Don’t take things at face value.
Diana Yoon (D): Social media is a tool—we can use it to reach people. It can be a bridge to connect decision makers + politicians where in-person conversations are critically complementary.
D: We can’t ignore the rise & popularity of AI & the fact that people are searching for information through it. Ask: What is the bias of each platform & publication you’re engaging with. What sources are being mined? What are you being fed & who’s growing it?
W: Ask why we would believe information not coming from a trusted source? Trust is a foundation of community. So if we don’t trust Google’s leadership, for example, why would we trust its AI as a source?
B: AI is not always correct. It’s often blatantly wrong. Use critical thinking!
D: Ask what we lose in moments where we talk to a machine instead of a friend, neighbour, or family member. Can we lean on our list of contacts? Who might need us, too?
What does a politically safe & just future look like? What are we building towards?
W: When basic human rights are respected, and our framework is focused on this. We must work to see the warning signs & consequences of not listening to one another. Build strong safety nets. This future is possible when it’s a matter of choice: who we vote for, elect, volunteer with, donate to, and speak up alongside. Exercise the power we have! We need to trust each other & work together. Appreciate the shared values we have. Calls to action cannot be seen as an inconvenience!
B: Everyone’s perspectives have to be heard. This offers a better chance for understanding & therefore, the changing of minds. Reduce censorship.
D: Back to basics: a society where we genuinely care for each other.
What are some frames/wisdom to know and/or lead communication with, in the most empathetic, resourceful way?
W: Know that this is more than a series of thoughts—this is a collective feeling.
W: Powerful people don’t want change, and use forms of intimidation to halt discussion of a system that’s harmful. It’s helpful to know that social media divisions have worked. We’re influenced. Research on AI shows effectiveness at convincing people to change their minds.
W: Know that the public narrative is not always factually correct.
W: Attacks on people & rights are not subtle. Laws are being changed & programs dismantled.
B: Re: Faith and the Christian community: Trump pedestalled his platform on “Christian values.” If you’re a part of a Christian community and don’t subscribe to his ideologies, do some extra research. What does faith look like in a political climate where it’s weaponized?
B: Know that inducing fear sponsors hate & blame, which aren’t effective in change.
D: Try not to feel intimidated. We can influence the decisions that impact our lives.
D: Fear & concern are always valid & needed with the rise of fascism & international conflict.
D: Being in a state of powerless fear is not motivating. Organize in a way that tackles anxiety as urgency in a productive way. And reframe urgency: everything feels harder when we’re burning out. If we want to fight the good fight for the rest of our lives, we need healthy rest & stamina.
D: Know that Instagram blocks news, which changes how folks get information on the landscape of social media.
D: We’re losing the ability to gather information, form communication channels, and take action. It is harder to share information, so continue finding & building new ways.
W: Past “progressive coalitions” are showing cracks.
How can advocacy evolve to not only resist political anxiety but also get it back on track?
W: Solidarity. Evil prevails when good people remain silent.
W: Find common alignment & understanding of what our shared, true threat is.
W: Do not take for granted voices disenfranchised from the process—we must do intentional work to build alliances. Build, don’t sit idle, and don’t assume things are going to get better.
D: Ask what we can do to influence change: talk to city councillors, MPs, escalate when tactics don’t work, fill out surveys & petitions.
B: Be okay with angering people, but without pushing them away through anger. Come from a place of empathy. Not everyone has the same upbringing or access to information/perspectives.
W: There are no shortcuts. Our best communication form is face-to-face, 1:1. This builds a foundation of trust. We’re kept busy intentionally—exhausted from work, partying on weekends to cope, and then have no idea what’s happening. Some level of privilege—to take time off work for example—is required to join spaces. We need to challenge this fundamentally: how can spaces function if people can’t meaningfully participate in them?
W: We can’t just show up to town hall now—it’s security-focused & feels unwelcome. Challenge the status quo. Make spaces accessible. Integrate intergenerational conversations to understand how we got here. Not showing up & not caring is the desired outcome by those in power. Sheep can be manipulated & controlled. Take back these institutions & make them democratic.
B: Look to leaders who are truly empathetic to the people they’re hoping to serve. Ex. those who are willing to take public transit or spend time living with the houseless community.
D: Find mutual aid work & community development outside of government support for local, tangible impact.
W & D: Understand who influences the political process. Convince people to participate. Run for office or support someone who truly reflects & represents the community & their needs. Build coalitions that coalesce. Be consistent, work hard, and lead with a vision.
A: People will join you, because they agree, but only if you start!
D: Know that everyone thinks they’re doing the right thing. What is motivating them? Who are they listening to?
A: Sometimes people are in government because the folks who voted for them are the loudest. Let’s be loud!
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