The article discusses how the internet has changed the way politics is conducted, particularly for liberals and leftists. The author argues that online platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, have become crucial spaces for political engagement and debate. However, these platforms have also been hijacked by reactionary forces, who use them to spread misinformation and propaganda.
The article notes that the right has adapted its strategy to exploit the emotional resonance of online platforms, using sensationalism and outrage to build a following. In contrast, liberals and leftists have struggled to adapt their own approach to online politics, focusing on old media forms such as newspapers and broadcast debates, or creating new ones like YouTube channels.
The author argues that this focus on competing with the right rather than working together has led to infighting and divisions within the left. Instead of building a parallel media ecosystem, liberals have focused on criticizing existing platforms and trying to outdo each other in terms of attention-grabbing content.
However, there are signs of life on the online left, with some creators using social media to build a following and engage in witty banter with their detractors. The author notes that these efforts may be more effective than traditional approaches, as they focus on waging the fight over how people view the world and what they see as politically possible.
Overall, the article suggests that liberals need to rethink their approach to online politics, adapting to the changing media landscape and finding ways to build a stronger, more cohesive movement.
The article notes that the right has adapted its strategy to exploit the emotional resonance of online platforms, using sensationalism and outrage to build a following. In contrast, liberals and leftists have struggled to adapt their own approach to online politics, focusing on old media forms such as newspapers and broadcast debates, or creating new ones like YouTube channels.
The author argues that this focus on competing with the right rather than working together has led to infighting and divisions within the left. Instead of building a parallel media ecosystem, liberals have focused on criticizing existing platforms and trying to outdo each other in terms of attention-grabbing content.
However, there are signs of life on the online left, with some creators using social media to build a following and engage in witty banter with their detractors. The author notes that these efforts may be more effective than traditional approaches, as they focus on waging the fight over how people view the world and what they see as politically possible.
Overall, the article suggests that liberals need to rethink their approach to online politics, adapting to the changing media landscape and finding ways to build a stronger, more cohesive movement.