Social Media: A Modern Machiavellian Landscape
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While Niccolò Machiavelli made a valid observation regarding power dynamics in his famous quote, it may be more relevant today to say, “Those few do not dare to challenge the tech elite, who oversee the social media platforms that host us.” The influence of social media has conditioned our responses, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Previously, many would have reacted strongly to Facebook silencing a public figure for “disinformation,” likening it to censorship typically seen in authoritarian regimes. Nowadays, such actions elicit little more than indifference, as we accept them as necessary for our well-being—yet we must question this acceptance.
In an article for Tablet Magazine, Jenin Younes argues that this trend represents a troubling overreach by the government. He delves into the case of Missouri v. Biden, which is poised to be litigated, alleging that the Biden Administration and the National Institute of Health (NIH) collaborated to suppress the free speech rights of a group of epidemiologists from prominent institutions like Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard. This group, along with writers and economists, authored the Great Barrington Declaration in 2020, which criticized lockdown strategies, suggesting they caused more harm than good and advocating for protecting the most vulnerable instead.
The declaration gained traction on social media, garnering support from other scientists. However, it faced backlash from Drs. Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins of the NIH, who labeled it dangerous and questioned the credibility of its authors. Soon, mainstream media outlets joined the fray, and social media platforms imposed heavy censorship on the declaration and posts from its proponents, indicating a coordinated assault.
This coordination is evident from FOIA requests revealing emails exchanged between Fauci, Collins, and various media outlets, demonstrating a concerted effort to discredit the declaration. Younes elaborates that documents from Missouri and other cases expose the extensive manipulation by the government over social media, indicating that at least 11 federal agencies have explicitly instructed these companies to remove posts and accounts that contradict the government's views on issues ranging from COVID policies to the 2020 election and the Hunter Biden laptop controversy.
Ultimately, this scenario mirrors Machiavelli’s insights from The Prince, illustrating how political power dynamics are playing out in the digital age. A few lessons from this Renaissance thinker on navigating power are particularly relevant now.
Maintain An Appearance And Isolate Enemies
Machiavelli advised that a ruler must be careful to maintain an image of compassion, fidelity, honesty, humanity, and religiosity. In our modern, secular context, the media elite has established its own sacred tenets that they uphold to appear virtuous, employing specific terminology that elevates their stance while branding dissenters as heretics. Terms such as “science denier,” “conspiracy theorist,” and “spreader of disinformation” serve to label those who challenge the established narratives, rendering their views unworthy of consideration.
This tactic creates an environment where anyone who questions the mainstream position—be it a flat-earth believer or an epidemiologist opposing lockdowns—can be dismissed alongside the most extreme viewpoints. Recent actions, such as PayPal's threat to fine users for spreading “disinformation,” exemplify this chilling effect on free speech. Although PayPal later walked back its stance, the potential for fines based on vague definitions of “intolerance” remains a concern.
Machiavelli also noted that those who plot against the established order cannot act alone; they often find themselves among other discontents. This grouping fosters a sense of isolation among dissenters, making it easier for them to be manipulated or turned against each other. Many individuals are migrating from mainstream platforms like Twitter and Facebook to alternatives like Getter or Rumble, seeking refuge from censorship while often remaining relatively unnoticed.
Let Someone Else Do The Dirty Work For You
Younes observes that social media companies are often complicit in this suppression out of fear. He cites various communications obtained through FOIA requests that reveal a threatening tone from government officials towards these platforms. Notably, President Biden accused Facebook of endangering lives by not doing enough to curb disinformation, which further compels companies to self-censor.
This dynamic creates a paradox where social media platforms bear the brunt of the blame for censorship, rather than the government that pressures them to act. The result is a culture of over-censorship, where platforms are motivated to eliminate any speech that could potentially lead to regulatory scrutiny.
Misinformation May Include The Truth
Reflecting on past experiences, I recall contemplating writing about the theory of the Coronavirus originating from a lab. However, fear of being labeled a “conspiracy theorist” led me to abandon that idea. In hindsight, the narrative around this subject has evolved, with Facebook lifting bans on related discussions in 2021 and formal investigations being launched into the possibility.
This shift showcases the dangers of labeling dissenting views as misinformation, as it stifles legitimate inquiry. Furthermore, the scientific community itself must remain open to challenge, as evidenced by the existence of platforms like RetractionWatch, which ensure accountability in published research. The ability to question and critique scientific findings is essential to prevent science from being weaponized for political agendas.
In today’s social media landscape, Machiavelli would likely find validation in the current practices of major platforms, where the interplay of power, control, and public perception mirrors the strategies he outlined centuries ago.