Submitted via IRC for Runaway1956
According to Netflix documentary by Vox: Reddit, 4chan, Gab and Bodybuilding.com are "cult-like"
A wide variety of accusations and criticisms coming from different political and ideological corners are being leveled at social media these days, but referring to them as giving rise to “cult-like” communities might be a first.
Netflix has posted a full new documentary on YouTube that deals with various well known and notorious real-world cults, gives survivors a chance to share their experiences and also provides commentary aimed at explaining what a cult is, how it functions, and what motivates its leaders and followers.
But those who make it to the last five or so minutes of the documentary might be in for a bit of a surprise: “Cults, Explained” refers to several large and small social media platforms and online message boards as creating and hosting “cult-like” communities, although, not by name.
Instead, the reference is illustrated by a graphic that shows the logos of some very diverse online places: 4chan, Reddit, Gab, Facebook, and Bodybuilding.com among others. Cults are known to grow around a charismatic leader, who keeps the whole operation together – something that the documentary acknowledges and explores.
However, its makers state that online places of gathering are also legitimately cult-like, even if they are, as the narrator explains, “without a need for a leader.” But the film doesn't at all delve any deeper into why or how this may be the case.
[...]The documentary finds fault with the nature of these communities that are said to provide a place of understanding and kinship to those who are alienated from society or otherwise disaffected. This may be sometimes true, but does it warrant the “cult-like” label?
The film goes on to say that these communities are bad for people simply because “they provide a home, they provide someone to listen to them.”
(Score: 2) by Common Joe on Tuesday October 22 2019, @11:17AM (3 children)
I don't know if this is utterly brilliant or absolutely insane. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground. It's certainly an interesting idea.
(Score: 2) by The Mighty Buzzard on Tuesday October 22 2019, @11:30AM
Probably wise in the short run and insane as long term policy.
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by hemocyanin on Tuesday October 22 2019, @05:40PM
I was struck by that too -- I sort of love the idea of requiring all bills to require a supermajority.
(Score: 1) by RandomFactor on Tuesday October 22 2019, @09:01PM
There's a story in these parts about a libertarian who ran for some worthless spot years back with a basic platform of "I won't take a check and won't do anything" and he won and did as he promised. Dunno if its true personally, might get motivated and research it someday (more likely not.)
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