“The exodus from blogging to the extreme use of Facebook[is] a much larger difference than that between blogging and the careful, painstaking writing of Marx‘ Capital. A Facebook comment leaves the reader with no choice but to either like it or leave it. You only receive feedback from people who already like you. The objectors simply go to their own page and issue statements that garner the ‘liking’ of their own fans. … They either join the page of their own sect or support group, ‘liking’ each other’s comments, or forever hold their peace.

The widespread use of Facebook has created the ‘final statement’ that replaces the messy exchange on a blog, which in turn replaced the in-depth thinking that exists in books, effectively recreating the Facebook user as a judge. Whether they like it or not, Facebook users find themselves in the position of a superstar or a prophet, needing to utter profound statements and expecting the cheers of the crowd. As it becomes easier and easier for people to connect, this loop tragically kills conversations and exchanges them for the proclamations of ignorant judges who know nothing of the world but their own personal narratives and verdicts.”

aus: Jon Rich: Facebook: A court of ignorant, cruel judges. In: The internet does not exist, e-flux journal. Berlin: Steinberg-Press 2015, S.160/61.

06/15