The dumbed down world of social networking is about to reach an influential level of frightening inanity, as yet another organization has launched the harrowing experiment of a digital newsroom. Of course, the venture is initially handicapped by a literal loss for words and the idea of being “twitterpated” will have an entirely new connotation in the next edition of Webster’s dictionary.
On the contemporary battlefield of full-scale information warfare, where reality and critical thinking is at stake, the idea is embraced that the value of an image translates to thousands of words. However, what is the word exchange rate pertaining to video? (The character limit of a typical post is nearly exhausted at this point, and the alarming trend of incomplete and superficial thoughts feverously generated every second in a mind numbing magnitude threatening to deconstruct society, only stokes the fire of disingenuous content on the front lines of a classic power struggle.
As language continues to be swapped out for symbolism and images, understanding the level of impact that video has in deconstructing the written form of communication is critical, as according to Fox News, the social networking consortium “for the birds” is launching an aggressive news platform incorporating streaming technology into the already cramped confines of the strict and unsustainable 240 characters (including spaces) or less posting limit policy. Startlingly, corporate officials believe that in the current quasi-journalistic environment of information sharing, plagued by the deliberate and damaging viral mechanism of “fake news”, adding a breaking news feature will actually promote transparency and enhance accuracy.
Allegedly, Twitter wants to gravitate from a simple forum showcasing abbreviated and vapid half-thoughts fueled by instant gratification, and engage in a comprehensive rebrand highlighted by an emphasis on breaking news coverage. With competition fierce for new users in the crowded marketplace of social networking communities, content generation has evolved as an emergency exit strategy in combating attrition and stagnation within the digital realm. However, the ulterior motive in establishing and in-house news presence is of course the opportunity to utilize subversion and bias in promoting an agenda. But, a friendly old social network would never stoop to the decrepit levels of a sex-crazed Hollywood producer in pushing and certain viewpoint or endorsing a political party?
Yeah right.
Just ask Mark Zuckerberg about the possible cobalt bomb grade nearly instantaneous backlash of hiring a team of news hounds and with a strict directive to deliberately bury certain content. Did Sun Tzu not warn against this baleful predicament in wary, but wise world view of the motivations of the site owner? “He who employs the moderators, can bury the past, revise the present, and control the future.”
The diminishing number of individuals, who act as daily crusaders in seeking and preserving truth, now face another formidable dragon and possible mouthpiece of a leftist ideology and groupthink. As the tweets of discontent rain down from the heights of Silicon Valley under the guise of truth and litter the already crowded trash heap of contrived progress with another layer of delusion, the sheep continue to feed on the empty, yet intriguing thoughtlessness what’s trending. It may be inaccurate and watered down, but at least for the herd’s sake, it lights up their phone with playful sound effects and cute images.