September 22nd, 2024

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.

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Posting Is the Most Powerful Force in the Universe (2023)

The 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.

Link Icon 8 comments
By @hdjjhhvvhga - 7 months
It started interesting but then I saw this:

> 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.

By @zero-sharp - 7 months
? People like to express their beliefs, even if their beliefs are unpopular.

>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.

By @bee_rider - 7 months
It has always been astonishing to me—every single day, Elon Musk thinks to himself “instead of going off and being Richard Branson but richer, I will shitpost on this website that I bought.” Like what?

It is a shame, we have this giant wealth gap in the US but we waste it on the lamest rich people.

By @cynicalsecurity - 7 months
Damn that free speech. It only causes problems. Better ban it altogether, then everything will be alright!
By @fourseventy - 7 months
Don't be so proud of this technological terror that you have constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the force.
By @dxbydt - 7 months
if it really was the most powerful force, the button I’m going to press below should say “post”. Instead it says “add comment”
By @zozzle - 7 months
> JK Rowling could have lived out the rest of her life as the world's most beloved billionaire, with generations of adoring fans pouring out love at every opportunity. All she'd have to do is avoid making wildly controversial statements on the most divisive cultural issues imaginable.

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.