Read on Twitter
There’s an article I want to write about how the internet is the perfect distribution mechanism for misinformation and radicalization and that the only way to truly counteract this phenomena is interpersonal relationships and the accountability that comes from these relationships https://twitter.com/potrzebie4ever/status/1276049658717102082
The reason for this is that the internet is good for some group interactions, but it is *amazing* for single player immersion. Think about the rabbit hole metaphor — it’s a solo journey. The internet is optimized for individualistic experiences.
Back to combating misinformation and radicalization. The tactic that worked in previous eras (eg. shaming and ostracizing) don’t work now because you further incentivize a person to retreat to their corner of the internet for radicalization and in-group belonging.
I think there’s argument to thinking that shaming and ostracizing never truly worked at individual level, only the societal-level. Again, the internet is optimized for the individual, which in aggregate, has profound negatives consequences for society.
Because the internet optimizes for the individual, the main tool we default to in fighting radicalization is arguments on internet. With people we don’t know, have no bonds or connections with and have built no trust with. Of course, shouting on the internet isn’t working.
The internet isn’t built for true accountability as a tool. Accountability happens IRL as we’ve seen with the protest movements that began in Ferguson in 2014 and continue today in cities across the country. Accountability happens in cities, towns, communities and in families.
To fight misinformation and radicalization, you need accountability and that only happens when you have some sort of relationship with the transgressive party.
