The Rise of the Outrage Machine
Ed Coper, a former strategist for GetUp! and the "teal" MPs, has written a compelling and alarming book that dissects how social media has "ruined everything." In it, he argues that those who win the battle for your attention on social media win your opinion.
New Class of Opinion-Makers
Coper describes TikTok influencers, YouTube rage-baiters, and podcast bros as the web's "new class of opinion-makers." They swamp non-news feeds with angry noise designed to harvest and monetize attention and emotions. He compares them to Walter White rather than Walter Cronkite, emphasizing their focus on profit over truth.
Impact on Democracy
The book warns that this outrage machine manipulates public opinion and undermines democratic discourse. According to Coper, the algorithms that amplify anger and division are a threat to informed decision-making. He calls for greater awareness and regulation to counter these forces.
