Isaac Saul, a journalist and founder of Tangle News, delves into the chaotic world of online discourse. He discusses innovative strategies to engage in divisive conversations while maintaining credibility. The conversation highlights the rise of trolling and the psychological complexities behind those who perpetrate it. They explore how social media influences public debate and the contrasting ideologies of wokeness versus anti-wokeness, emphasizing the need for nuanced perspectives in today's polarized landscape.
Tangle News exemplifies a successful model of non-partisan media that promotes understanding and civil discourse amidst political polarization.
The podcast highlights the challenges of maintaining a non-partisan stance while facing scrutiny from both political sides in a volatile climate.
Online trolling, as discussed through Joshua Goldberg's actions, raises critical ethical questions about accountability and the impact of digital identities on real-world events.
Deep dives
Tangle's Role in Bridging Divides
Tangle is designed to address the growing political and cultural divides in media consumption. By presenting opposing viewpoints on a single divisive topic each day, Tangle allows readers to engage with different perspectives without being trapped in echo chambers. The creator highlighted a poignant example of an older couple, with differing political views, who found common ground through Tangle's balanced presentation. This approach not only promotes understanding but also fosters civil discourse in an increasingly polarized environment.
Navigating Market Success Amid Challenges
Despite the tumultuous media landscape, Tangle has achieved impressive subscription and revenue growth, boasting over 350,000 subscribers and generating $3 million in membership revenue annually. The founder attributes this success to a commitment to transparency and a rejection of hyper-partisan narratives that dominate other outlets. This model contrasts sharply with many traditional media organizations, emphasizing that there is significant interest in fair and nuanced reporting. Tangle demonstrates that a non-partisan approach can thrive, fulfilling a pressing demand from the public for more thoughtful media.
Challenges of Maintaining Non-Partisanship
Operating in today's political climate presents challenges for Tangle, particularly in maintaining a non-partisan stance amidst shifting alliances and expectations. The founder discusses having faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, reflecting the complexities of holding accountable principles across different administrations. For instance, criticisms arose from the left regarding the coverage of Hunter Biden while Trump supporters grew uneasy with similar scrutiny of their side when Trump took office. This highlights the difficulty of appealing to a diverse audience while striving for an unbiased media representation.
Impacts of Social Media Dynamics
The evolution of platforms like Twitter has significantly influenced the current political discourse, as reflected in Tangle's content strategy. The founder notes the strong tendency for social media to amplify polarized content and how this has shaped public opinion. Notably, discussions center around the ability of individuals to control narratives through social media, resulting in various factions vying for dominance in public dialogue. This context emphasizes the importance of fostering a more balanced and informed conversation that Tangle aims to provide.
Understanding the Nature of Modern Trolling
The conversation also delves into the darker aspects of online behavior, such as the phenomenon of chaotic trolling represented by figures like Joshua Goldberg. This exploration illustrates the complexity of online identities and their potential to influence real-world events, as seen with Goldberg's actions leading to terrorist implications. The reflection on trolling serves as a reminder of the challenges media face in navigating misinformation and sensationalism fueled by individual agendas. It ultimately raises questions about accountability and the ethics of online behavior in shaping public perception.
This week on Blocked and Reported, Katie is joined by Tangle News founder Isaac Saul to discuss the state of the media and the world. Plus, what happened when the world's most prolific troll got caught
Note: After this episode was released for Primos, Joshua Goldberg clarified that he is not the founder for r/PhilosophyofRape. “Rest assured that I am not now, nor have I ever been (and nor will I ever be) a rapist. Troll, yes. Rapist, no. Of all of the bottom-feeding plankton that I am surrounded by in prison, the sexual predators are the ones that I despise the most.” Apologies to Joshua. The episode has been corrected.
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