Psychiatrist Alex Curmi Urges Skepticism of Online Charisma After 15 Years of Algorithmic Media
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Nov 1
Psychiatrist Alex Curmi Urges Skepticism of Online Charisma After 15 Years of Algorithmic Media
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 1
Summary
Alex Curmi argues charisma should function as a warning sign online, not a shortcut to trust, because confident delivery can make weak or false claims sound credible.
About 15 years of algorithmic social media have amplified that risk by rewarding polished clips and viral personalities while hiding the fuller record that once exposed incompetence or bad character.
Curmi says the problem now reaches far beyond teenagers: adults are also vulnerable to influencers, podcasters and vloggers who can sway views on health, politics and finance through style rather than expertise.
One example he cites is Ruby Franke, the parenting vlogger with millions of subscribers who was later jailed for child abuse after two of her six children were found beaten and malnourished.
His proposed defense is stronger critical thinking—teaching people to test sources, seek counterarguments and separate confidence from substance before accepting persuasive online figures.