"We've gotta change the game."
I don't think it's social media alone. A lot of us were saying television was going to lead to the same ends, especially reality television. I don't think we can carve out social media as some kind of outlier, but merely as an accelerant.
Sure we can call for removal of the accelerant, but it's hard to take the gas out after the giant fireball has erupted, as we see with the upcoming TikTok ban.
What sound does an un-rung bell make?
It's a "do as I say, not as I do" problem. Everyone approves of their own use of social media, but few approve of other's use.
The chilling effect of extremist speech on peace, love and understanding is real, though.
How do we interrupt that cycle?
Or is it too late and the values that social media instilled in us (enrage to engage) have spread to our institutions already?
Seattle politics and local journalism is rife with examples of how our institutions already run on social media rules.
Haidt says it's not about content moderation, it's about viral dynamics, “viral dynamics aren't a constitutional right."
This will be like trying to ban the lottery or sports gambling. It's not about parties, it's about people. People already feel like they don't have a voice, and they're not going to give up their one shot at being heard, even if it's only fifteen minutes of fame.
"We could all take it easier on each other."
"Just ignore it."
Maybe the new good internet will be more like the old good internet where we lived by the motto, "Don't feed the trolls."
Johanna Wilder, “Go ’Phins!” 🐬