Social Media Echo Chambers and Cults

There's a long tradition of small groups casting themselves as "the elect" and trying to lead people in the United States into a new era. In the 19th century, for example, they founded towns and planned cities like Salem, Ohio and founded colleges and universities. A darker example is provided by Jim Jones.

If there's anything that defines "the left" it's the idea that the world is fallen and can only be redeemed through social engineering and quite ironically, by assuming the archetypal role of Jesus Christ and preaching new Sermons on the Mount.

The social media era has provided a mechanism for cults to gather new members via computer and phone screens and keyboards. Politics in the US has often been driven by these messiah wannabees whether it was abolitionists, prohibitionists, or civil rights leaders, messianic causes have provided a rallying point for top-down political movements. Now, instead of a cause dominating politics for decades, there's a cause a week.

The social media era has also provided a mechanism for instant critique and analysis of these causes and gives a voice to the otherwise "silent majority". The "left" politicians and the mainstream media in the United States seem to be inside the social media bubble world of fringe causes and opinions and are unaware of the small footprint of the influence of the groups that promote them.