All that boring rationality stuff. Reasonable people working out our differences
But I’d say the tech bro and populist right alliance have learnt how to
work the differences, rather than appeal to a bloc.
So its way beyond appealing to rational brains with rational argument. It’s mapping a logical system onto the irrational (which isnt the same as saying senseless) mechanisms of human belief systems and relations. Rationality and logic is sequencing. If/ then. And the machines program our irrationalities, exploiting bias, tastes, and proclivities and sympathies by channeling them through a sequence that brings a person to a favourable position for a desired outcome.
I think this has played a big part in your 'cosmic event'. The likes of cambridge analytica have done a very good job of tapping into the energy of resentment and negative solidarity that unites many disparate groups , beyond demographics .. into behavioural science, interest groups, friend networks. Historically the right have always been good at this (it’s like tabloid appeal to our base instincts on crack, but as touched on in the constant escape thread on algorithms, the gap is widening quickly). They know your strengths and weak points and can line up the right algorithmic content combo to tip you over the edge. So in a pool of floating voters they’re able to identify the kooks and paranoiacs who will be swung by pizza gate, Identify your swing issue.. Young kids? Might be education. and serve a conversion story over time, and across a few different channels. And they’ll use the persuasive approach your most likely to respond to: pathos, logos, ethos