I saw this article by Nathan J. Robinson on Current Affairs and wanted to share. I do agree with the idea that the twitter format discourages deep conversation and debate. Lemmy is in general much better in this regard, but even still it is affected by the wider internet culture of our time, and a proper debate culture takes effort.
Even on Lemmy I frequently see more nuanced takes being shut down by quick, snarky comments pushing the conversation into absolutes. And yes, a democratic society absolutely requires healthy discussion of difficult issues, not just outrage.
There’s a time and a place for everything, with apologies to John Lennon.
Lemmy is a great place for longform discussions, but the vast majority of my posts and comments tend to be of the one-line, weary-columnist snark variety.
Much of the news this days is “this is objectively bad,” making attempts at discourse difficult.
Do you think the jump from viewing on pc to viewing on mobile phone may play a part?
On a big old square screen you could look a decent amount of replies fast, phone scroll through 2/3 long posts becomes a chore.
I only use my phone under duress. The screen is entirely too small. It’s a phone. It’s meant for calls and texting.