[baktubi]

There’s the other side of the spectrum as well: what the influencers seek to gain by amplifying criticisms for any odd remark.

Just think of the whole anti-vaccine movements and the spread of misinformation. Folks come out of the woodwork and claim a myriad of side effects but they have no background to scientifically vet the published vaccine research.

Influencers leveraging fear and confusion as a way to amplify bias and shame people making positive comments on a vaccine.

And this generates them massive followings and potentially increases “social status”.

Curiously I’m seeing somewhat of a proportional trend: as peoples ability to amplify misinformation increases, so does the value of censorship. This is kind of scary to be honest—to say that censorship has inherent value in our society.

All it takes is one climate-science denier to change 50% of the population’s opinion. Or to convince the public that one pro-vaccine comment is the scourge of humanity.

EDIT: Just got a downvote and reflecting on how the down-vote makes me feel; how should I proceed? Should I defend my comment? Do I want more social karma on this website? Am I being punished for my opinion. How’s that for some introspection…

[vibrato2]

Misinformation doesn’t exist.

Lies are real information.