An important #Social problem in #Tech to solve is this: When neutralizing destructive social systems, how do we still retain the value of human differences and identity in an evolving, multicultural society? (1). #FridayThoughts #Society #Tech #Accessibility #A11y #Systems #UX

The problem I believe you're looking to solve, Molly, is one that a society would already solve for itself without technology's help. Follow me: The "destructive social systems" to which you refer, are the fringes of society. For thousands of years, they've always been there. 1/

A normally functioning society represses those elements. And while sociologically, we may look down upon such repression as unfair or even prejudiced, the fact is, such suppression has enabled the rest of society to function nominally. 2/

We've managed, up to now, to avoid listening to the fringe. It's our crazy uncle, if you will, who lives alone in a nice house all to himself, but in the basement, shouting about the bombs about to drop and the lack of soup in the cupboard. 3/

As with any human system, we learn how to care for our fringe elements but keep them away from sharp objects, small children, and when necessary, the general public. But lo, along comes social media. It's designed to give everyone a voice. 4/

The algorithmic element of social media feeds upon extremity and hyperbole. It amplifies the voice of the bizarre, because it's programmed to generate activity, and mediocrity - or even general, everyday niceness - can't do the trick. 5/

People we'd managed to keep in the cupboard, if you will, crawled out - and that's what we saw with the insurrection a few weeks ago. Even numbering thousands, they couldn't really coalesce or work together as a team or a unit, outside of reading Parler to get directions. 6/