I used to be hopeful about it because social media gave us an amazing opportunity.
Now anyone could have a platform and the voice they never had before.
It could’ve been beautiful. We almost had the power.
Welcome to the Oligarchy
We’ve still got a voice…
But, now we are easily drown out by the highest bidder.
Our voices have been monetized, our content may or may not be ours. Companies can buy their way in. The algorithm is for sale.
Find another platform and watch them do the same or get bought by the same platform we ran from. Corporations don’t like disruption. Hierarchies dislike the flattening.
David only beat Goliath in that one story.
In reality, the corporation (person?) with the biggest bank account has the most prominent voice.
None of this should not be a surprise…this is capitalism.
Welcome to the shouting match
We’ve still got a voice
…but we are now easily drown out by the loudest and most controversial. Our voices have been hijacked, misrepresented, and shadow-banned. Bad actors can cause havoc. The algorithm, blindly favoring engagement, is designed to be gamed.
Controversy and outrage generate clicks. Clicks generate ad revenue. We grow more divided and the platforms offer dividends.
We get this, because we accept this. None of this should not be a surprise…this is capitalism.
Stand up! Say it proudly!
Take away my privacy, monetize my data, and show me another ad…just make sure it’s relevant.”
You’re wrong, I’m right…you’re a sheep!”
Everything is going to be just fine.
Updated: Aug 2021