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Are Podcasts Becoming Problematic?

#icanhelp educate digital media literacy digital safety Jan 29, 2025
Are Podcasts Becoming Problematic?

By: Aaliyah Michael, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

 

Over the past few years, podcasts have grown into a wildly popular source of entertainment and education. From true crime to selfcare, podcasts cover a myriad of topics, offering a little of something for everyone.

 

Listeners also seek out podcasts for the sense of community they provide. Many podcasts are casual and unscripted, allowing the hosts to share their honest, unfiltered opinions on a subject. The conversational tone of these podcasts encourages listeners to trust and connect to the hosts; however, this unscripted format can easily lead to the spread of misinformation, which has prompted heated discourse across the Internet about the misuse of this medium. 

 

Let’s dive into some of the most prominent issues that have arisen and examine how listeners can steer clear of potential harms while tuning in to their favorite podcasts.

 

From Positive To Problematic

Listeners often seek out podcasts for commentary on current events or for self-improvement advice. While some podcasts are genuinely helpful and informative, others have abused the medium to feign expertise on a topic and pass prejudices off as facts. The spread of misinformation can very quickly get out of hand and cause harm to listeners.

 

Common Issues

  • Echo Chambers: Whether a podcast shares good tips or “hot takes” (controversial opinions), listeners may find themselves accepting the host’s perspective as true rather than forming their own opinions. Some podcasts are hosted by a group of similarly-minded individuals, creating an echo chamber that further pressures the listener to adopt similar views. 
  • Misinformation: False or biased information can be harmful to listeners and the people around them, such as health advice shared by a podcaster who is not a licensed medical practitioner.
  • Intense Fan Culture: Podcasts often develop dedicated fan bases who relate to the host on a personal level. Fans of these podcasts are more likely to excuse toxic behavior than hold the podcaster accountable for their actions. 

 

Real-Life Cases

Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate are two of the most egregious examples of podcasters who have gained massive followings due to their controversial and heavily biased views.

 

The Joe Rogan Experience invites a range of guests—including comedians, scientists, politicians, and cultural figures—to discuss philosophy, health, fitness, and current events. Rogan’s podcast has a long history of controversy, but one specific incident drew public backlash when Rogan was caught laughing at an insensitive joke made by comedian Joey Diaz. Social media users criticized Rogan for failing to hold his friend accountable and for making light of the harmful comment. 

 

Social media personality Andrew Tate discusses self-improvement, entrepreneurship, dating, and controversial social issues on his videos and podcasts. He is notorious for using his platform to perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes. His “misogyny and exhortations that ‘real men’ drive fast cars and treat women as ­property” are particularly dangerous given his audience of primarily young, impressionable male listeners. 

 

Avoiding Misinformation

Now that we’ve examined the potential dangers of podcasts, how can podcast fans avoid these pitfalls and distinguish between facts versus opinions disguised as fact?

 

  • Fact Checking: Check the legitimacy of any sources referenced or statistics mentioned. 
  • Critical Thinking: Avoid taking information at face value, especially if it is not evidence-based. Question what is being said in the podcast, and arrive at your own conclusions based on the objective facts of the situation.
  • Reasonable Skepticism: Ask yourself the following three questions: Who is providing this information? What are their qualifications or expertise? Do they have any potential conflicts of interest or ulterior motives?

 

Actively practicing the above steps can help you exercise good judgment and prevent the spread of misinformation.

 

Put the Mics Down

Podcasters have a responsibility to be mindful of what they’re saying online and how their words can influence—and hurt—their audiences. Unfortunately, some podcasters will take this responsibility for granted.

 

In order to combat the spread of harmful biases and misinformation, digital literacy education is essential. Digital4Good offers a range of digital literacy resources to keep students informed and safe online. For lessons and strategies promoting digital literacy, consider checking out our Social Media Literacy Curriculum.

 

 

 

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