This article discusses how the internet has changed the way politics is expressed and debated, particularly on social media platforms. The author argues that the right-wing movement has adapted to the online environment more effectively than the left, using algorithms to spread emotionally charged and divisive content. In contrast, liberals and progressives have focused on traditional media outlets and follower-focused platforms, which limits their ability to engage with and critique conservative ideas.
The article highlights several key points:
1. The shift from a "town square" model of social media to one that prioritizes engagement and emotional resonance.
2. The rise of reactionaries and right-wing influencers on social media, who use platforms like Twitter and TikTok to spread divisive content and build online communities.
3. The left's tendency to focus on competition rather than cooperation with other left-wing groups, leading to infighting and a lack of cohesive messaging.
4. The importance of building alternative online ecosystems and amplifying progressive voices, rather than simply competing for attention in the current media landscape.
The article concludes by suggesting that there are signs of life on the online left, including the emergence of new forms of comedy and commentary that critique conservative ideologies. However, more needs to be done to build a cohesive and effective online presence for progressives, and to engage with and critique conservative ideas in a meaningful way.
Some key quotes from the article include:
* "The right has established its own parallel media universe. It eschews most real news and instead tells convincing tales about how the shadowy functionaries of the Cathedral, or the matrix, or cultural Marxism lie to you in the media and try to control your every action."
* "Instead of building an alternative new media ecosystem and amplifying each other's work, the left focuses more on competition than the right. As the right convenes the intellectual dark web and manosphere, leftwing digital media is a scattered landscape of Substacks and X-to-Bluesky hot-take artists."
* "The centre right is often happy to engage with ideas from the right, but liberals and the left actively balk at exchanging ideas."
Overall, the article offers a critical analysis of the current state of online politics and argues that progressives need to adapt their strategies in order to effectively compete with the right on social media.
The article highlights several key points:
1. The shift from a "town square" model of social media to one that prioritizes engagement and emotional resonance.
2. The rise of reactionaries and right-wing influencers on social media, who use platforms like Twitter and TikTok to spread divisive content and build online communities.
3. The left's tendency to focus on competition rather than cooperation with other left-wing groups, leading to infighting and a lack of cohesive messaging.
4. The importance of building alternative online ecosystems and amplifying progressive voices, rather than simply competing for attention in the current media landscape.
The article concludes by suggesting that there are signs of life on the online left, including the emergence of new forms of comedy and commentary that critique conservative ideologies. However, more needs to be done to build a cohesive and effective online presence for progressives, and to engage with and critique conservative ideas in a meaningful way.
Some key quotes from the article include:
* "The right has established its own parallel media universe. It eschews most real news and instead tells convincing tales about how the shadowy functionaries of the Cathedral, or the matrix, or cultural Marxism lie to you in the media and try to control your every action."
* "Instead of building an alternative new media ecosystem and amplifying each other's work, the left focuses more on competition than the right. As the right convenes the intellectual dark web and manosphere, leftwing digital media is a scattered landscape of Substacks and X-to-Bluesky hot-take artists."
* "The centre right is often happy to engage with ideas from the right, but liberals and the left actively balk at exchanging ideas."
Overall, the article offers a critical analysis of the current state of online politics and argues that progressives need to adapt their strategies in order to effectively compete with the right on social media.
the way conservatives are using algorithms 2 spread divisive content is soooo clever, but we can't let them win! 
we need 2 build our own online communities & amplify progressive voices ASAP! 
it's like, we can't just compete with them 4 attention, we gotta create our own movement! 
and omg yeah, the left's infighting is SO not cool... 
we need 2 work together & support each other instead of tearing each other down! 
This whole thing is pretty interesting, you know? It's like, people are saying that the internet has changed how we do politics, especially when it comes to social media. I think this shift from a "town square" model to one where engagement and emotional resonance matter more is kinda crazy. We're not just talking about our tweets and Facebook posts anymore, but like, a whole online ecosystem.
. i think the left needs to focus on building a community that uplifts each other rather than competing against conservatives all the time 
. and btw, those reactionaries on tiktok are lowkey terrifying 
. we need to take social media back from them and make it a platform for progressive voices 
.
Meanwhile, the left is still stuck in traditional media, trying to compete with a foe that's optimized for online warfare. It's like we're playing catch-up. 
Did you know 70% of conservatives on Twitter identify as "influencers" despite having no formal credentials? 
That's some serious grassroots power! 
. we can't keep relying on traditional media outlets when the internet is where it's at 
. it's like, finally some people are speaking truth to power without being all preachy or whatever 
. we need to create our own spaces where we can have real conversations and not just get stuck in this echo chamber stuff 
. I mean, think about it - we're living in a time where algorithms are deciding what we see and hear online 
. It's crazy how easily you can get sucked into this vortex of outrage and division. Like, have you noticed how some social media platforms just seem to amplify the most inflammatory stuff? 
.
Let me know your thoughts! 