rant · moment 14 of 20
Social Media as the New Religion
from Subsistence Hustlers · #21
Audio-only archive episode — no video to seek.
4 minTim argues social media has replaced collapsing institutions like the church, creating a need for online 'theologies' and cult-like figures such as alt-right influencers who dictate followers' entire lifestyles.
- 50:31Social media has become the operating system by which the majority of people structure their lives and psyche.
- 51:14Restaurants and corporations exploit social media by requiring hashtags and Instagram posts for discounts and free items.
- 51:43Religious institutions have experienced a dramatic drop in attendance over the past 20 years due to repeated scandals.
- 52:21Tim argues that people need something to believe in, and without traditional religion, they turn to cult-like figures online.
- 52:50On the internet, people don't just want jokes or philosophy—they want a complete theology telling them how to live.
- 53:27Both social justice warriors and alt-right groups market belief systems and values as the solution to chaos.
- 53:47These movements lack original ideas and instead unite people around the concept that 'the world's fucked up because of these guys over there.'