FT News Briefing FT Weekend: Morality in the Twitter era. Plus: China’s language revolution
Apr 30, 2022
Dan Brooks, a writer known for his incisive commentary on social media, discusses how we've become adept at recognizing moral failings but struggle with personal morality. He uses everyday analogies to illustrate the complexities of ethical behavior online. Jing Tsu, a Yale professor and author, shares the fascinating journey of China's language standardization, transforming an intricate system into something usable on keyboards, which played a pivotal role in making China a tech powerhouse. Their conversation delves into morality and modern digital communication.
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The Hiking Tweet
- Dan Brooks was angered by a tweet advising hikers to keep moving when slower hikers catch up.
- He felt this was performative morality, although he admitted the advice itself was valid.
Weaponized Morality
- Dan Brooks argues that morality is no longer a private matter of conscience.
- It's become a public performance, a tool for judging others and signaling our own virtue.
The Bakery Dilemma
- Dan Brooks uses the example of choosing between a black and white cookie and an apricot bar.
- This illustrates how even simple decisions can become moral dilemmas in today's climate.
