The Rise of Alt-Tech and Its Implications for Society
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The Emergence of Alt-Tech Platforms
The launch of Donald Trump’s Truth Social—a social media alternative to Twitter—might not have sparked much excitement among those familiar with alt-tech's history. Many may wonder why yet another platform catering to conservatives and the far-right, promising unrestricted speech, deserves attention. Historically, alternative platforms have struggled to gain significant traction.
For instance, InfoGalactic, marketed as a right-wing alternative to Wikipedia since 2016, garners around 300,000 visits monthly, a stark contrast to Wikipedia's over 5 billion. Voat, which was established in 2014 as a censorship-free social news platform like Reddit, ceased operations in late 2020. Crowdfunding platforms such as Hatreon, GoyFunder, and Wesearchr, which aimed to compete with GoFundMe, have also shut down. Rumble, founded in 2013 to rival YouTube, reported only $7 million in ad revenue during the first three quarters of 2021, while YouTube generated an astonishing $9 billion in a single quarter.
Platforms like Parler and Gab, popular among users banned from mainstream networks due to hate speech, have not dethroned Twitter or Facebook. For example, on Parler, Mark Levin—a far-right radio host known for his conspiracy theories—has amassed 5 million followers, a modest number compared to Joe Biden, who gained the same amount on Twitter within 24 hours of his inauguration. Accessing these platforms isn’t straightforward either; Parler faced removal from the Google and Apple app stores following the Capitol riot, while Gab was never accepted on those crucial mobile platforms.
The Role of Trump's Defeat in Alt-Tech Growth
Had it not been for Trump's electoral loss and the events of January 6, Parler and Gab might have faded into obscurity. A 2018 study indicated that Gab was nearly inactive, with few top users posting monthly. However, in late 2020, millions of Trump supporters, frustrated by Facebook and Twitter's measures against hate speech and electoral misinformation, flocked to Gab and Parler. According to SimilarWeb, Gab recorded 18.7 million visits last month, while Parler had only a fraction of that. In comparison, Twitter had a staggering 7 billion visits in the same timeframe.
Truth Social may initially attract a wave of users, thanks to Trump's substantial following on Twitter and Facebook before his bans. His financial backers will likely exploit this platform for profit. However, it is probable that Truth Social's growth will plateau after a few months, settling at levels similar to those of Parler and Gab. Most users prioritize connections with friends and family over political affiliations, making them reluctant to abandon established platforms for the more politically charged alternatives.
In early 2021, Princeton historian Sean Wilentz expressed concern over Trump's refusal to accept the election results, warning that it could create a rival power structure to the legitimately elected government. He envisioned Trump establishing a "virtual government" influenced by social media, potentially operating from Mar-a-Lago to avoid legal repercussions.
The Implications of a Virtual Counter-Government
Trump's efforts with Truth Social appear to align with Wilentz's concerns, though legal challenges loom over him. The rise and persistence of alt-tech platforms indicate a troubling trend: millions of Americans opting out of shared societal norms in favor of echo chambers that reinforce their perceptions of being under attack. This phenomenon, referred to as the Great Secession, signifies a retreat from mainstream values, unlike the Great Resignation, which seeks better employment opportunities.
The United States has a history of groups and movements that have distanced themselves from mainstream society to pursue their own ideals, whether spiritual or secular. While some, like the Amish, coexist quietly, others, such as the Shakers, left little behind besides their craftsmanship. Alt-tech hubs, however, provide a daily fantasy of cultural dominance for a few million dedicated users. The events of January 6 and the recent "freedom convoy" in Canada demonstrate that a relatively small number of organized individuals can disrupt democratic processes. Alt-tech is cultivating more of these individuals every day.
The first video, "Alt Tech: What Will Happen in 2022?" discusses the implications of emerging alternative technologies and their potential impact on society.
The second video, "The Case for Secession: How Breaking Away Maximizes Liberty | Ryan McMaken," explores the idea of secession and its relation to individual freedom.