All of this is possible because users trust what they find on social media. They trust it because it appears to originate from friends and, thanks to filter bubbles, conforms to each user’s preexisting beliefs. Each user has his or her own Truman Show, tailored to press emotional buttons, including those associated with fear and anger. While endless confirmation of their preexisting beliefs sounds appealing, it undermines democracy. The Russians exploited user trust and filter bubbles to sow discord, to reduce faith in
