Posted July 17, 2019
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I know my opinion on the matter ins't a popular one but considering Youtube's algorithm favours outrage, controversies, viral videos, daily uploads, lengthy uploads, response videos amongst popular channels, etc. I think Youtube needs to censor itself, especially since they have such a massive potential influence over democratic processes no matter which side we're talking about. Youtube needs censorship because Youtube is designed to hook viewers up with an iron grip and that is much easily accomplished with emotion than with erudition. Youtube moneymakers know this and they shape their information accordingly, lest we forget the title of the video posted by the OP, "Google's Censorious Urges are Playing a VERY DANGEROUS Game" which is clickbaity and tendentious but it's great for views count standards.
Google, Facebook, etc. can't and should not allow everything on their platform, not because they're private ventures and can do with their platforms whatever they please, but because their immediacy, scale, popularity and design can be devastating if allowed to host and indirectly or directly promote certain types of harmful content. I know this one will come harshly but remember the Rwandan genocide? A local radio station played a major role on the massacre. Imagine what could happen today if globalised mass media platforms were not scrutinised and censored to a degree, what could happen if those 'digital streets' which are full and thrive on stupidity and ignorance (tide pod challenge anyone?) were let loose. The fact is that comparing them to a street is a false equivalence because on the streets there isn't the same degree of anonymity and there's also patrolling police, people on the street act more rationally and what they say has a limited reach.
Let's not kid ourselves, more often than not the debate on 'freedom of speech' is a euphemism for manipulation and control, not a quest for enlightenment.
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It's a popular trend lately though to want nanny government to come in and stop people you disagree with, so the reaction to this surprises me not at all. I'm not gonna pretend I agree with it though.
Post edited July 18, 2019 by richlind33