Many of you have been inquiring about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk earlier this week during a campus event at Utah Valley University. As of this writing, not much is known regarding the shooter's motivations, but given the numerous incidents of political violence over the past year, I feel confident making the following statement...
Those who analyze online culture often say, “Twitter is not real life.” Yet again this week, we witnessed that when the digital conversations fueled by platforms like Twitter (along with Bluesky and TikTok) intersect with reality, whether stemming from the left or right, the outcomes can be tragic.
This should inform us about these platforms: they are harmful and dehumanizing. They significantly contribute to the deterioration of civil society, which appears to be worsening.
We recognize these platforms are detrimental, so why do they continue to be so prevalent? They offer an enticing narrative: that every frantic tap and swipe positions you as a vital participant in a political revolution, a brave investigator, or a righteous protester – that when you are online, you are an important individual engaged in meaningful activities during a critical time.
However, this is largely an illusion. In reality, you are laboring anonymously in a factory of attention, while billionaire overseers deride your efforts and revel in their increasing fortunes.
After distressing national events, there often arises a public discourse on how to appropriately respond. Here’s a suggestion: Stop using these social platforms. Seek alternative ways to stay informed, share ideas, or find entertainment. Be a responsible adult who engages in constructive activities; someone who truly supports real people in the tangible world.
To preserve civil society, it is essential to conclude our decade-long experiment with global social platforms. We have tried them, and they have turned dark and detrimental. It is time to move forward.
Enough is enough.
Several of you have inquired about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk that took place earlier this week at a campus event in Utah.