I'm contending that the major social media platforms constitute the contemporary "public square"
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Replying to @mtracey
homie it can't be a public square because "the public" doesn't have unlimited access to these spaces. they've always been subject to moderation and user agreements and codes of conduct, they are by definition not public
3 replies 0 retweets 49 likes -
Replying to @cd_hooks
I don't think this follows. "The public" generally doesn't have unlimited access to literal public squares either, as in parks and such, which can be closed or circumscribed. Police eject people from parks for certain behaviors. But it's still a "public square," conceptually.
2 replies 0 retweets 4 likes -
Replying to @mtracey
yes michael it's the difference between a public park and my backyard
3 replies 1 retweet 35 likes -
Replying to @cd_hooks
Your backyard doesn't allow entry to the general public. Social media companies do.
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Replying to @mtracey
no they dont man they allow access to people at their discretion who follow their rules and guidelines and give them control over their personal information. you apply for an account at facebook just like you apply to membership of a private club
2 replies 1 retweet 21 likes -
Replying to @cd_hooks
Anyone can sign up for Facebook, and then they can be ejected for violating certain rules and guidelines. Anyone can enter a public park, and then they can be ejected for violating certain rules and guidelines.
1 reply 0 retweets 3 likes
Go to a park and you'll see that there are often signs posted outlining which behaviors are unacceptable and acceptable in the park. There are also a variety of laws which govern conduct within the park that you implicitly agree to upon entering
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