So I think social media is in that tight spot between amplifying existing and creating new issues. It’s nearly impossible to argue that it’s given a platform for nutjobs to mobilize. However, it’s also created an easier platform and given a voice to those most of us would have perhaps never heard of without the existence of social media as well.
But in general, there’s a pretty well documented tendency of continuous shift towards right or left that almost interchangeably follows one another. Pro-fascist powers rise, then in return, so does pro left activism, which in return creates more conservative backlash. And so the circle goes on and repeats itself. The unique issues can change or somewhat shift (one of the leading causes of the populist right popularity surge in Europe is the neverending fearmongering via refugees, immigrants and nationalism - does that ring a bell?), but the overall trend remains.
But in general, there’s a pretty well documented tendency of continuous shift towards right or left that almost interchangeably follows one another. Pro-fascist powers rise, then in return, so does pro left activism, which in return creates more conservative backlash. And so the circle goes on and repeats itself. The unique issues can change or somewhat shift (one of the leading causes of the populist right popularity surge in Europe is the neverending fearmongering via refugees, immigrants and nationalism - does that ring a bell?), but the overall trend remains.