Leftist Thought in the Information Age
In recent history, the ways people get information have changed drastically. It was just a few decades ago when news was only available through major media outlets via the newspaper or cable news. Now, with the complete extent of human knowledge at our fingertips, there are countless ways of being exposed to new ideas. A person can learn anything, anywhere; they can stumble down rabbit holes towards information they never intended to find. In this way, the internet has revolutionized the way that people — and more specifically youth — are learning about and developing their political ideologies. 50 years ago, people were exposed to leftist thought primarily through activists, published works, and educators. Today, for better or for worse, the internet has provided a new framework for how left wing information is disseminated and consumed, still within the boundaries of platforms created by and for the right.
With the advent of the internet, the demographics of those who subscribe to radical ideologies are not only growing, but also getting much younger. This has impacted leftist content in two main ways: first, leftist content is now far more accessible to the average person. There is no need to enroll in a class or buy a book to learn about socialism when information is so freely available online. This new brand of content is not just easier and cheaper to access; it is also far easier to understand. Young people — many of whom may not be able to or want to sit through a lecture and read Marx — are being exposed to these ideas in simpler, more engaging terms. The result is the demystification of leftist ideas. More and more of what was once considered radical has made its way into the mainstream because of this expanding demographic and growing accessibility of information. The new content is also far more relevant to the average person, explaining the application of centuries-old ideas to contemporary issues. Furthermore, people can now seek out a wider variety of leftist media, from lighthearted commentary to serious, in-depth analysis. Notably, though, the platforms on which much of this information is distributed (i.e. Twitch, Reddit, etc.) are also home to harmful right-wing extremism. As such, leftist content in this space serves to combat the media monopoly of the far right and close the pipeline that has brainwashed many vulnerable young people.
Nonetheless, this new era of leftist thought is far from perfect. Complex issues are often simplified for the sake of marketable content, and the opinions of individuals are often touted as fact. Much of this media also falls prey to debate culture; commentators who frequently engage with their mainstream opposition have created a culture around the left’s answer to Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, and other inflammatory pseudo-intellectuals that have dominated the online Right. This format, however, is ineffectual at presenting ideas and actually changing minds, instead aiming to determine who can outwit whom in a game of verbal back-and-forth that ultimately leads nowhere. When two career commentators debate online, it can give the appearance of real people having a conversation in which both parties listen and consider one another’s ideas. Yet , in these fabricated interactions, they both always come out on top, profiting off important political issues that affect people’s lives. Lastly, it is important to acknowledge the hypocrisy and questionable moral character of many newly popular left-wing figures. Of course, there are levels to these digressions, ranging from the purchase of a $200,000 car to the use of derogatory slurs in an attempt to win over the Right. Regardless, fame — and the platforms that it provides — continue to be abused by many leftist creators. Much of this media marks a new age of profitable leftist thinking that presents politics as a brand rather than engaging in material analyses with actual real-life implications.
Although the benefits of exposing more people to leftist thought are incredibly valuable and important, the manner in which it is being done leaves a lot to be desired. Playing into the well worn path of modern conservative commentary inevitably leads leftist content and its creators to develop traits incongruent with their own ideologies. As in all cases, mainstream prominence and monetary gain severely undermine even the most well intentioned. To be successful and remain true to its cause, online leftism must not just fight the right, but rather exist independently from it, so as to promote the people and ideas that have given the movement its power.
