I don’t think a new word is needed to criticize individuals. I do think that we need to broaden the conversation on collective action and collective responsibility.
Like you mention that it doesn’t matter much about an individual using TikTok but 150 million users do.
That’s because, as a collective, the data provided by users can be used as a representative sample size of the American population to drive decisions by foreign powers. It also means that the algorithm has an outsized impact on influencing trends and perspectives on current events in the United States.
The outcomes change when you change your focus from considering what can happen when an individual has the app versus a large collection of people having the app.
Unfortunately ideas of collective action and collective responsibility is typically limited to being used in discourse around climate change and fringe liberal ideas. However the language is there and often insightful. We just need to broaden the conversation where it’s being used
Thanks for reading this and for your thoughtful comments. I do believe we have a vacuum in language for discussing these issues, and it's fine if you disagree!
Micro treason is a good term. Please note that Santos was removed from Congress, but Menéndez and Cuéllar have not been removed. They are charged with far worse treasonous behavior than Santos, yet the democrats will not touch them. 2 standards of justice in our banana republic.
I was initially in favor of a TikTok ban, but fear the government will use the power to squash whatever platform isn't agreeing with the administration of the moment.
Thanks for reading my post Matt. That’s a reasonable concern. I’m mixed myself. But regardless of whether something is banned, we can make choices as consumers, business owners and voters.
Sound arguments as usual Jeff. Micro-treason is a great term. It makes me reflect on how all egregious transgressions in the domains of security, politics, morality, ethics, parenting, relationships etc all start at the micro level. Your essay is really a call for the kind of mindfulness we gain benefit from exercising in any and all facets of life.
Hi Rick, Mindfulness is an excellent term for it, and I like the way you connect micro-treason to small affronts in other areas. Excellent points. Thanks for reading this!
I don’t think a new word is needed to criticize individuals. I do think that we need to broaden the conversation on collective action and collective responsibility.
Like you mention that it doesn’t matter much about an individual using TikTok but 150 million users do.
That’s because, as a collective, the data provided by users can be used as a representative sample size of the American population to drive decisions by foreign powers. It also means that the algorithm has an outsized impact on influencing trends and perspectives on current events in the United States.
The outcomes change when you change your focus from considering what can happen when an individual has the app versus a large collection of people having the app.
Unfortunately ideas of collective action and collective responsibility is typically limited to being used in discourse around climate change and fringe liberal ideas. However the language is there and often insightful. We just need to broaden the conversation where it’s being used
Thanks for reading this and for your thoughtful comments. I do believe we have a vacuum in language for discussing these issues, and it's fine if you disagree!
Micro treason is a good term. Please note that Santos was removed from Congress, but Menéndez and Cuéllar have not been removed. They are charged with far worse treasonous behavior than Santos, yet the democrats will not touch them. 2 standards of justice in our banana republic.
Hey! Glad you like the term and thank you for catching this. I updated the essay, adding Cuellar and removing Santos.
I was initially in favor of a TikTok ban, but fear the government will use the power to squash whatever platform isn't agreeing with the administration of the moment.
Thanks for reading my post Matt. That’s a reasonable concern. I’m mixed myself. But regardless of whether something is banned, we can make choices as consumers, business owners and voters.
Very true.
Sound arguments as usual Jeff. Micro-treason is a great term. It makes me reflect on how all egregious transgressions in the domains of security, politics, morality, ethics, parenting, relationships etc all start at the micro level. Your essay is really a call for the kind of mindfulness we gain benefit from exercising in any and all facets of life.
Hi Rick, Mindfulness is an excellent term for it, and I like the way you connect micro-treason to small affronts in other areas. Excellent points. Thanks for reading this!