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It's no secret that social media manipulation companies exist. There are posts all over the internet about them & people being paid for likes/upvotes/comments. But why? We know that positive interaction has an effect on search results, but it can't JUST be that, right? (1/9)
Group mentality has a lot to do with it. We are social creatures and in large groups, our way of thought changes. The internet is no exception. If we see likes, we are more likely to like, even if we don't 100% agree with the content of the post. We conform. (2/9)
By buying or simulating positive interaction, even if it's clearly representative of irrational thought, these companies are passively engaging you. Theres an expectation of reciprocity, of conformity, and when people conform, they start to spread the information as well. (3/9)
& The opposite is also true, so when people like me see that there's little engagement the hope is that we, eventually, just stop posting. Then the site is flooded with people that are paid to engage people that keep going NEGATIVELY, to enforce that they are outliers. (4/9)
Now you might say to yourself 'I'M not a sheep! I won't conform AND I'll keep posting!', & people might pat you on the back for that if they're of the same mentality. Then the companies have succeeded in polarizing everyone involved. And that polarization is the worst part. (5/9)
You don't like the other side. They're idiots. They're morally bankrupt. You make up horrible names for them and disavow them. You only engage them to fight. They do the same to you. You are both encouraged by people who are paid to seed confusion and distraction. (6/9)
& the result is that almost nobody exists to try and have a reasonable dialogue with the 'other' side in a kind and compassionate way which doesn't disparage and shame them for not coming to our side sooner or belittle them for falling victim to the system. Nobody can win. (7/9)
Except for the OTHER other side, the real Enemies who want to keep us fighting each other so intensely that we don't notice what they're doing and untie against them. THEY win, and they take that win to the bank. (8/9)
The only way we can win is by coming together. By showing each other compassion and understanding. Turning the other cheek when we are slapped. Helping our fellow man. Remembering who the REAL Enemy is & putting a stop to what they're doing to our planet & children. (9/9)
And I hope it goes without saying, because it's the spirit of this entire thread, but WWG1WGA.
