I was so severely disappointed by this debate I had to login to leave a comment. The fundamental lack of understanding of both technology and media from both of these guests. The issue at play is part of a larger market evolution of media becoming technology, as exemplified by this comment being on substack (arguably a tech company) not the NYT. While one can watch RT and easily see a statement of bias and absurdity, and even if they don't, there is the ability in a one to many broadcast to address the statements made. These blackbox algorithms are the product, not the dissemination of decentralized content. This makes it nearly impossible to audit or verify the information contrary to the provided example of RT and these algorithms can be manipulated and swayed in a virtually undetectable manner while stripping individual autonomy and individual judgement. While there is totally a valid argument to be made that this is a concern for all tech companies, the difference comes down to judicial authority and accountability. None of this was discussed or addressed, nor was the topic of generative content actively being prototyped by TikTok which begins to enable them to create bespoke content for each user. In the west manipulative or destructive overreach has historically leaked out and allowed regulatory or legal action. Also unaddressed are the national security concerns of essentially a foreign adversary being in possession of a psych profile of millions of Americans, this isn't the same of knowing what cat videos you watch. Even if an individual say a military official isn't using the application that doesn't mean they are immune for the manipulative behavior that could be used against their family. Say a military leader taking leave during a time of unrest as their child was continuously bombarded with body shaming, drugs, and destructive content ...