Billionaire tech mogul Bill Gates is focused on addressing various global issues, such as eradicating polio and improving water sanitation. However, he is particularly concerned about the passing of misinformation to future generations.
In a conversation with CNBC Make It, Gates, whose wealth is estimated at $158 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, expressed his earlier naiveté in believing that making information accessible would lead people to seek out accurate data.
As a prominent public figure, Gates has witnessed the impact of scrutiny on his family, especially his daughter Phoebe, who has faced online harassment.
“Hearing my daughter describe her experiences with online harassment and how her friends face similar challenges made me realize the gravity of the situation in a way I hadn’t considered before,” said Gates, who has three children.
Phoebe has previously discussed the misconceptions surrounding her family, including being mocked for her interracial relationship.
Gates acknowledged the spread of misinformation but understands why some individuals are drawn to platforms that reinforce their own views, a tendency known as confirmation bias.
He stated, “We seek correct information in contexts like medical advice, but within our communities, shared views can pull us together.”
Gates elaborated, “Even I find myself indulging in this. If there’s an article online criticizing a politician I dislike, I might think, ‘That’s a great critique, even if it’s a bit exaggerated.’”