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North Carolina News You Can Use

Billy Ball Explains NC: How to fix social media in America

By Billy Ball, Staff Reports

February 10, 2026

Social media in America is designed to make us hate each other, but there is a potential fix. Watch the latest Billy Ball Explains NC here.

In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take on the rage-baiting algorithm at Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

They’re designed to amplify stories that will make us angry, and sometimes the content on social media is flat out false. Plus, unlike your local newspaper or news station, social media can’t be held accountable in court if they spread harmful lies. Senior Editor Billy Ball talks about the HUGE gaps in our communication laws that allow that to happen, and the relatively simple fix.

Make sure to tap “like” and subscribe to @cardinalandpine on YouTube so you’ll catch Billy Ball Explains NC when it premieres every Wednesday.

✏️Billy Ball
🎥 Dylan Courbat

Authors

  • Billy Ball

    Billy Ball is Cardinal & Pine's senior newsletter editor. He’s covered local, state, and national politics, government, education, criminal justice, the environment, and immigration in North Carolina for almost two decades. His reporting and commentary have earned state, regional, and national awards. He's also the founder of The Living South, a journalism project about the most interesting people in the American South.

    Have a story tip? Reach Billy at [email protected]. For local reporting that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Billy’s newsletter.

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Billy Ball Explains NC | LOCAL VIDEO
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