Whenever I get a new subscriber, Substack shows me the other publications they read. Almost without fail, the list is virtually identical from subscriber to subscriber.
In other words, the censorship efforts of mainstream platforms have herded “free thinkers” to Substack where we all mostly peruse the same posts, listen to the same podcasts, and watch the same videos.
Can you say “circle jerk”?
Unless the “truth warriors” on Substack can actively and effectively reach out to normies, we’re just singing to the choir — a hive mind of confirmation bias.
Sure, it’s comforting to have our opinions constantly validated, but groupthink is not conducive to intellectual evolution. It will, however, frequently incite different versions of cancel culture.
When does any of this ever contribute to sustainable social change?
true, but this is about the only platform that allows other than the narrative. You got Sharyl Attkisson, Tucker and Steyn, and then you had it about what is out there. I often send some memes to friends but that is about all i can share. They don't even read it if i send more. Even a Sharyl Attkisson of 6 years old, where she demonstrates how bigharma hides their failures behind a smokesceen was too much obviously. She did a great job on wikipedia, i had already noticed how they bend the truth.
Yes, it does seem somewhat masturbatory at times, but that's no one's fault. I love your writing and look forward to brainstorming how your important words can reach a wider audience beyond Substack. Thank you for this critical post, Mickey.