Entrepreneur Joe Polish said “Most people don’t use social media; they are used by it.”
Over the past 20 years or so, tech giants have obtained massive amounts of data on their users. Facebook, Youtube, Google, Twitter and other platforms are able to entice their users through preferred algorithms that are able to retain user activity on their platform. They simple do this by examining past user data and applying successful algorithms to improve future outcome for retention on their platform.
With that data, these tech giants have access to manipulation power that could control the masses. Through algorithms, shadow banning, and deplatforming prominent voices; technically, these platforms own the content their users create, and they can do with it as they please.
But unlike AT&T, which is a neutral public entity, silicon valley oligarchs have immunity granted by congress with the ability to libel whomever they want without punishment. They have the ability to infringe on first amendment rights if they choose.
This should not be taken lightly, as these tech companies should constantly be audited by public discourse and media outlets. But sadly, the platforms’ power to censor has been foisted on by journalist and PC-Culture advocates.
Of all the people who should be advocating for the marginalized and keeping the powers above in check, journalists are the ones who are advocating the censorship culture.
Yet again, this past week we witnessed a display of distasteful behavior by one Vox news journalist who demanded the suspension of one of Youtube’s pundits, due to harassment. Louder with Crowder’s Steven Crowder’s advertisements have been pulled out from under him due to his homophobic rhetoric directed towards Vox journalist Carlos Maza.
Crowders bafoonish behavior is clearly vile. His racist, homophobic slurs are repugnant and irritating; but with that said, in no way, shape, or form should a fellow journalist demand censorship from one of the biggest corporate tech giants in modern history.
No doubt Maza should draw attention to Crowders behavior, but journalists of all people should not be looking at corporations to silence opposing viewpoints.
The power of silence should always be in the hands of the market; people in masses who disconnect from those who spew out hate speech. Bringing awareness in a sobering way to reprehend homophobic insults.
Looking to tech oligarchs to suppress ideological adversaries only suppresses public opinion. Journalism is aimed to give voice to the marginalized and speak truth to power. Not confirm and nark to the corporate elites.
This censorship has now led to a framework of “hate” targeting by Youtube; With the banning of anti-alt-right journalist Ford Fischer. Ford was caught in the crossfire due to his alt-right reporting on Nazi behavior. Now, because Ford films Nazis (for exposure) his content has been removed. Taking revenue out of his pocket and transparency off the web.
This debacle clearly shows why It’s wiser to find alternative ways to target accounts rather than evoke censorship from tech giants. Although Carlos Maza’s frustration is justified, labeling yourself a journalist and outright demanding the suppression of speech for a foe is out right absurd. Journalist should not be the ones advancing censorship culture or encouraging the powerful to suppress the powerless.
