Here's a pet theory I have:

Whenever society starts reaching the level of blind mob consensus, the smart ones take it upon themselves to fill the opposing void.

Because they see a balance in views and perspective as a prerequisite to getting at the truth.

What separates a liberal in the 1960s to a liberal today is the fact that the former actually had courage. She was part of a non-conformist minority who was willing to go against convention and fight against the prevailing dogma of the times.

She was an independent thinker.

Contrast that with the typical leftist liberal in 2020 who, although much more liberal in degree and severity than her 20th-century counterparts, is quite conformist and is part of a majority.

S/he has no independent cognition.

It almost feels like the cycle has turned and the independent thinkers are being forced to move right. And my theory is that they are doing so because they sense this fundamental imbalance.

Contrarianism has its signalling and status benefits, sure. But I think the issue is related more to maintaining balance because it feels more sensible and intelligent.

You'll often find a centrist who will take up the opposing position for the sake of maintaining that balance.

Also, there's high asymmetric value in disconfirming evidence.

Contradictory information proves to be much more insightful than what simply conforms to one's priors.

The smart ones understand this asymmetry.