Fear has never been a good adviser—especially not on social media
Fear is spreading on social media. Fear of censorship, fear of defamation, fear of modern-day block wardens and the new “Ministry of Truth”.
Laws such as the “Digital Services Act”, topics like “hate speech” and the like are driving more and more people either to behave like the three monkeys (or female monkeys)—hear nothing, see nothing, say nothing—or to restrict or conceal their identity in public (on social media).
The intended division and a permanent state of fear—of whatever it may be—are implemented so perfidiously that many no longer even notice why and for what reason what is happening is happening.
A “hidden censorship” is being implemented by, for example, making you unfindable despite having millions of followers (see blog post on the topic), changing the terms of use so that you can simply be “deleted” (see blog post on the topic), and then even wrapping the whole thing into laws that make the average person believe everything is being done “by the book” (see blog post on the topic)
But at the end of these chains of actions, there are people. I now prefer to call them “individuals” because many have very little “human” left in them in a positive sense. And if people have to be afraid of anything, it is not regulations and laws; it is the blind, stoked hatred of other people who believe they have to do the world a favor, no matter the means!
The result: Out of fear, people no longer want to be recognized. Out of fear of possible consequences.
In the digital world, more and more people no longer state their last name (Hans S.), set their profile to “Private”, or no longer mention the company they work for. Profile pictures “disappear” more and more often as well.
Because anyone who expresses their opinion freely these days—an opinion the “wannabe” majority does not like—will quickly be lumped in with tinfoil hats, conspiracy theorists, climate deniers, or even labeled the ever-popular “Nazi”.
Drawing such conclusions is “terribly” easy for many. Being labeled that way is very “unpleasant”. Especially for people who, out of concern for others—and when it comes to family and friends, also out of love—simply cannot keep their mouths shut and feel compelled to speak up and raise awareness about the injustice and danger taking place.
But is it right to hide and end up looking like a “coward” in the face of the “digital enemy”, or is it not worth saying what you think or feel and, if necessary, living with the consequences?
That is what this blog post is about.
Hiding on the internet is pointless. There are already too many traces of everyone.
Modern digital “block wardens” are booming
Fearmongers need followers*outside. Unfortunately, there are more than enough of them on all digital platforms.
It is not without reason that I chose the word “block warden”. It highlights the relevance and danger of the mindset and often blind activism of individuals who fancy themselves part of the “do-gooders”.
They are characterized by their alleged ownership of the “one true truth”, which in turn is supposed to benefit all people.
Furthermore, the block wardens believe that their efforts make the world a better place and that they themselves can gain personal benefit from it.
(maybe there will soon be a Federal Cross of Merit for that, too)
Unfortunately, we have already had both once before: the “block warden” and the mindset that “the world should be healed by their nature”. This time it is just a bit more international than merely German. The conclusion drawn by the individuals who think this way remains, in the end, the same.
Yes, that is quite a harsh statement, but far harsher are the actions being carried out.
Because more and more often, the do-gooders believe they have to report the “renegade monsters”, for example, to their employer. Alternatively, there are of course public or private digital “reporting centers”. The consequences are not only known, but also intended.
I find it shameful what means far too many people resort to in order to ultimately satisfy their own ego and thus feel they are receiving “recognition” from a majority. At some point, this will backfire.
That is why I understand that many people are afraid. That is more than regrettable. Because a real democracy does not include a one-sided “right to truth”, but open discussion and the formation of opinions.
But anyone who no longer says anything or conceals their identity has already given up and will lose in the end anyway.
The “finger-pointing”. Block wardens and female block wardens in top form.
The supposed “concealments” are useless!
Let us be honest. Anyone who truly believes that leaving out their last name or company, etc., can conceal their identity and make them feel safer can keep that misconception. But the fact is: it achieves absolutely nothing.
Anyone who wants to find out your name has endless options in the age of the internet.
Even deleted profiles do not ensure you can no longer be found, because as we all know, the internet never forgets.
In addition, it must be clear that the “official” authorities” have means at their disposal that go far beyond what the average person can imagine. Not to mention corporations like Google® and the like.
The missing last name
Interesting if you are also the managing director of a named company. In that case, your last name can be found very quickly—for example, in the legal notice or other company publications.
Labeling it as “private opinion”
“unpleasant contemporaries” simply do not care whether you supposedly express a private opinion here. After all, it is the opinion of the person in the profile. When in doubt, it is always private—and not that of the company you work for.
The missing picture
With or without a picture, it does not really matter.
The concealed company in the profile
Quite odd when you leave out the company in the profile headline, but it still appears in your history. As if nobody were able to scroll down.
Conclusion: You can leave out as much as you want; you are always identifiable in some way, even by “laypeople”.
So say goodbye to your fear. Do not just say who you are, but also what you think. Only then can you counteract what is happening here right now. Do not let yourselves be divided!
Hiding is pointless. You WILL be found!
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Divide and rule, or: On the inability to talk with each other instead of about each other
It is actually quite brilliant. Because those who do not talk with each other usually talk about each other. And whoever controls the content of the conversation divides and rules.
Unfortunately, very few have understood that this is exactly the objective. We are not supposed to talk with each other and reach a consensus—no, we are only supposed to talk about each other and argue. Ideally, we will not talk with each other at all anymore, while the initiators rub their hands.
Especially here, on social—or perhaps rather “anti-social”—media, one-sided “communication” is particularly easy. You quickly type something in and can, at best, simply ignore replies—no matter what they are.
Face to face, it would usually look different. But real consequences are almost exclusively for critical people. Talking with each other no longer seems to be an option.
The climate is already so toxic that only a few still dare to do so—or simply no longer feel like it. Many of us surely know that, even from our own families. I do, too.
The initiators have done a thorough job. In sales, this is called “fear based selling”, and revenues in this area have definitely gone through the roof.
This will not work. Stubborn people at work, and someone is popping the corks because of it!
Running away does not help
Anyone who now believes it is better to keep quiet and hopes that everything will turn out fine in the end could soon have a problem.
Standing up for your own opinion—and thus your freedom—is ultimately the only option. Turning your back on reality can end badly.
Face the facts. Otherwise, it can get unpleasant.
Conclusion: “Running away and hiding digitally does not help you. It only helps the others”
Image sources: Shutterstock
