Today, Explained Deplatforming Donald
Jan 12, 2021
Casey Newton, Editor of Platformer and expert in social media's influence on democracy, discusses the seismic shifts in online discourse following Donald Trump's deplatforming. He dives into how Trump's social media presence shaped political narratives and governance, particularly after the Capitol incident. The conversation explores the rise of alternative platforms like Parler, driven by conservative discontent, and the broader implications of content moderation. Newton emphasizes the challenges of managing digital speech and the power dynamics at play in today's online landscape.
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Trump's Twitter Presidency
- Donald Trump's presidency was heavily influenced by Twitter, using it to announce policies, threaten war, and even fire people.
- His use of the platform, from covfefe to promoting business interests, shaped his public image and communication style.
The Final Straw
- January 6th marked a turning point for social media companies regarding Trump's online presence.
- The outgoing president's incitement of violence led to his removal from various platforms.
Twitter's Ban
- Following the Capitol attack, Twitter initially suspended Trump's account and deleted three of his tweets.
- After a brief reinstatement, two subsequent tweets led to a permanent ban, cutting off his access to almost 90 million followers.