The democratization of the Internet held so much promise. The idea that free exchange of ideas was a good thing seemed so idyllic back in the day. That is, until it became a reality. Sure, certain platforms in the Social Media maelstrom have maintained their original purpose. However, the biggest platforms have been invaded by scammers, shills, and robots that have agendas all their own. Want to fake a grass-root movement? Social media is there for you. Want to spread disinformation among gullible followers? It has never been easier. As usual, the very things designed to serve us have put us in chains.
Frankly, it should come as no surprise. The printing press allowed any rumor, slander, or conspiracy theory to spread quicker than word of mouth. The phone did the same. Pagers practically automated it. Today, we rank this bunk based on how much outrage and response it gets. we have built an economy on being rewarded for engagement, not content. Engagement is an absolute measure, there is no such thing as negative engagement. Interaction For and Against go into the same bucket. Sentiment is a secondary vector, and frankly doesn't even matter.
Very soon, there may come a reckoning. Perhaps the platforms will be forced to change their ways, maybe the bad actors will finally get what they deserve, or even the very fabric of interaction gets a makeover. Until then, the way we interact on Social Media networks will only worsen, divide, and inflame underlying hatreds. It is my hope that someday Social Media will turn into a children's playground, and hold as much influence as the vaporous casual interactions it really is actually deserves.