Removing disinformation — and users who spread it — can come at a cost for web hosts and social media platforms. But studies indicate “deplatforming” does stem the flow of disinformation.

Kate Starbird with the University of Washington explains why it’s easier to see the effects of deplatforming in the short-term. And NPR’s Shannon Bond looks at how one growing social media site is dealing with new attention and new challenges.

Additional reporting in this episode from NPR’s Bobby Allyn, who’s reported on the removal of Parler by Amazon Web Services.

In participating regions, you’ll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what’s going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.