#72: Trump's Influencer Strategy Pays Off and the Future of App Building (with Guillermo Rauch!)
Nov 8, 2024
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Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel, discusses the shift towards citizen journalism and the decline of traditional media gatekeeping. He emphasizes the democratization of content creation, noting that the rise of personal platforms allows diverse voices to emerge. The conversation touches on the implications of AI and algorithms in shaping public narratives and the erosion of trust in news organizations. They also explore the role of Vercel in facilitating application development and the challenges posed by bots and misinformation in today's digital landscape.
The rise of social media has diminished traditional media's control over information, leading to a more decentralized and diverse conversation.
The recent election highlighted America's democratic resilience, showcasing a successful transition of power despite polarization and contentious outcomes.
Voters are now prioritizing actionable policies over ideological posturing, suggesting a potential shift towards practicality in future liberal governance.
Deep dives
The Shift in Media Control
The dynamics of media control have markedly changed in the modern landscape, where traditional news organizations no longer serve as the gatekeepers of information. Once, media outlets had the exclusive ability to control the dissemination of news; they dictated what was shared with the public. Now, influential figures can directly communicate with their audience via social media, bypassing traditional channels entirely. This shift raises critical questions about how media companies will adapt to this new reality, where they're forced to compete for relevance in a world inundated with diverse information sources.
Reflections on Democracy Post-Election
The recent election has sparked discussions on its impact on American democracy, particularly regarding the peaceful transition of power. A key observation is the successful conduct of a highly polarized election, which validates the resilience of the democratic process in the United States. It was noted that regardless of individual candidate opinions, the fact that the election took place without major unrest is commendable. This sense of historical significance serves as a reminder of America's democratic strength, even when the results are contentious.
San Francisco's Political Lessons
A closer look at San Francisco reveals a significant shift in political attitudes and strategies within liberal circles. After years of embracing progressive policies, many of which resulted in adverse outcomes, the city is now witnessing a focus on actionable policy rather than identity politics. This change reflects a broader understanding and acceptance of the need for practical governance over ideological posturing. Consequently, the election of new leaders and a robust community focus signals a potential roadmap for the future of liberalism in the U.S.
Communication Strategy in Elections
The election demonstrated differing communication strategies, particularly between traditional candidates and social media-driven influencers. There is a clear contrast between the high-volume approach of certain candidates, who prioritize frequent messaging, and the more calculated, message-driven tactics of others. This highlights a fundamental evolution in how political figures engage with their audiences; the era of concise soundbites has transitioned into one where continuous dialogue allows for rapid iteration. As such, understanding and adapting to this communication model will be crucial for future campaigns, especially as traditional media struggles to maintain relevance.
Challenges Facing Traditional Media
Traditional media outlets face an existential crisis as they grapple with their role in a society that increasingly prioritizes real-time engagement and direct communication from political figures. With the ability to control the narrative diminished, news organizations often default to negative coverage in response to the oversaturated, self-promotional content of influencers. This dynamic can create a contentious relationship where trust in media continues to erode. It emphasizes the importance of adapting reporting practices to focus on delivering authentic, in-depth analysis rather than merely reacting to the noisy media landscape.
Are incumbent media networks losing ground?
Kamala stuck to broadcast media, while Trump bypassed traditional filters and reached audiences as an influencer, taking his message to Rogan and Fridman.
Among concerns over echo chambers and AI-controlled narratives, there’s a flip side—more people now have a platform, giving everyone a voice.
Guillermo Rauch of Vercel says “everyone needs to be empowered to create.” The more people who can build their own platforms and apps, the more we decentralize the conversation.
Tune in as we break down the election aftermath and the future of content in a post-AI world.
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