Bat-Men on The Moon: All Media is Social Media?

In this episode of Plausibly Live, Dave Bowman dives into the wild and whimsical story of the Great Moon Hoax of 1835, when the New York Sun convinced the public that bat-like beings thrived on the moon. But this is just the starting point for a broader discussion on the nature of media, communication, and the influence they wield over society. Dave reflects on his experiences in a new mass communications class, critiques the idea that "all media is social," and questions the role of modern news outlets. What happens when media, government, and powerful entities shape our perceptions? Is it just fear, or is there something more? Tune in as Dave unravels the threads connecting 19th-century lunar fantasies to today’s media landscape, with a few pointed jabs at Zuckerberg's recent revelations about media manipulation thrown in for good measure.