Holographic Media - Outland
According to political scientist Kevin Munger, it is crucial for individuals and communities to establish a concrete set of norms, practices, and institutions that enable them to use the internet without being controlled by it. Without these safeguards, they are destined to lose and are not even actively striving to succeed. Munger emphasizes that the diversity of platforms used by an outlet reduces its dependence on any single platform and its limitations. In the mid-2010s, certain online groups known as dark-forest groups developed methods to connect with each other across various platforms. They used techniques such as including specific emojis in their bios or sharing content from particular meme pages to synchronize their feeds. These communities were essentially creating their own media networks, where the strength of the community's signal outweighed the influence of any individual platform. In this sense, the community itself became a form of media, acting as a holographic filter through which every platform was accessed. Individuals who had strong connections across multiple communities even became literal interfaces of information.
Avoiding the "Mid" refers to avoiding mediocrity and striving for excellence. It is important to embrace illegibility, poetry, and alternative forms of communication that AI and the "Mids" (referring to mainstream platforms) do not yet understand. By utilizing these unconventional forms of language, such as diagrams, images, metaphors, collages, and neologisms, individuals can create a unique and authentic expression.
Trusted Sensemakers, including influencers, artists, podcasters, and non-institutional figures like Substack writers, play a crucial role in today's media landscape. Their communities rely on them to provide reliable and insightful information. These figures have the ability to fulfill the role of trusted sensemakers, offering alternative perspectives and analysis outside of traditional institutions.
In the twenty-first century, it is essential to think meta, just like our Tech Overlords. Instead of merely building products or services, the focus should be on controlling and capitalizing on the infrastructure that facilitates every exchange. By thinking meta, individuals can develop new protocols and structures that allow truth and trust to emerge in the media space. This approach empowers individuals to overcome the limitations imposed by the software and gain agency in the digital realm.