Posting Is the Most Powerful Force in the Universe (2023)
The article explores social media's influence, highlighting cases like Jack Teixeira and Elon Musk, and discusses how the pursuit of validation can overshadow achievements, urging further examination of its societal effects.
Read original articleThe article discusses the powerful influence of posting on social media and its impact on individuals and society. It highlights the case of Jack Teixeira, who leaked classified documents to small Discord groups, driven by a desire for clout rather than ideological motives. Similarly, Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter is portrayed as a pursuit of social validation, despite his significant achievements in technology. The piece also examines J.K. Rowling's controversial stance on transgender issues, suggesting that her fixation on posting has overshadowed her previous acclaim. The author likens the allure of posting to Tolkien's One Ring, emphasizing how it can lead individuals to make detrimental choices in pursuit of attention and status. The article concludes by noting the profound effects of posting on various aspects of modern life, including news reporting, politics, and personal relationships, while acknowledging the need for further exploration of its cultural ramifications.
- Posting on social media can lead to significant personal and professional consequences.
- Individuals like Jack Teixeira and Elon Musk illustrate the lengths people will go for social validation.
- The desire for attention can overshadow previous accomplishments, as seen in J.K. Rowling's case.
- The allure of posting is compared to the One Ring, suggesting it can warp judgment and priorities.
- The article calls for a deeper understanding of the societal impacts of posting and social media addiction.
Related
Inciting rioters in Britain was a test run for Musk. See his plans for America
Elon Musk's leadership of X raises concerns about rising political tensions and misinformation, paralleling recent British riots with potential U.S. unrest, highlighting the dangers of unchecked billionaire influence ahead of elections.
Why Technological Progress Is Now Reversing
The article discusses the disconnect between technological advancement and societal benefit, highlighting issues like user exploitation, lack of accountability, and the need for reevaluating technology's societal role.
Maybe knowing too much about others isn't so great
Daniel Frank discusses how social media and evolving opinions affect admiration for public figures, leading to reputational decline. He suggests fostering tolerance and recalibrating expectations to mitigate conflict and polarization.
Pixels, Clicks and Emotional Tricks
The article discusses how constant exposure to negative online content affects emotional well-being, creating feedback loops and isolation, while emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional digital interactions.
The Junkification of American Life
David Brooks critiques the "junkification" of American life, where entertainment and social media distractions diminish meaningful art, advocating for self-regulation and a cultural shift towards enriching experiences for improved well-being.
> Rowling has turned into a one woman crusade against transgender people and the trans rights movement.
I understand people like oversimplifications but this is a longer piece and the statement above is simply untrue. Yes, her stance on transwomen being able to use private spaces dedicated to ordinary women is controversial, at least by today's standard, but she is not leading any "crusade against transgender people and the trans rights movement". For example of these, see any alt-right posting. Rowling has enormous respect to all trans-people, but she doesn't agree on some very specific points.
So if the author misses the truth an inch or two, I lost the trust in anything else they wrote in this piece.
>JK Rowling could have been the world’s most beloved author forever if she was content to dislike trans people quietly rather than loudly.
Seems like evidence that she prioritizes expression over status.
It is a shame, we have this giant wealth gap in the US but we waste it on the lamest rich people.
Massive respect to JKR for standing up for the rights of women and girls, even if it is controversial.
Yes, she could have kept quiet and said nothing, but there are things much more important than being universally adored, and it's to JKR's credit that she values speaking out for what's right, way above basking in the adulation of celebrity.
Related
Inciting rioters in Britain was a test run for Musk. See his plans for America
Elon Musk's leadership of X raises concerns about rising political tensions and misinformation, paralleling recent British riots with potential U.S. unrest, highlighting the dangers of unchecked billionaire influence ahead of elections.
Why Technological Progress Is Now Reversing
The article discusses the disconnect between technological advancement and societal benefit, highlighting issues like user exploitation, lack of accountability, and the need for reevaluating technology's societal role.
Maybe knowing too much about others isn't so great
Daniel Frank discusses how social media and evolving opinions affect admiration for public figures, leading to reputational decline. He suggests fostering tolerance and recalibrating expectations to mitigate conflict and polarization.
Pixels, Clicks and Emotional Tricks
The article discusses how constant exposure to negative online content affects emotional well-being, creating feedback loops and isolation, while emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional digital interactions.
The Junkification of American Life
David Brooks critiques the "junkification" of American life, where entertainment and social media distractions diminish meaningful art, advocating for self-regulation and a cultural shift towards enriching experiences for improved well-being.