Scott Alexander examines the challenges to free speech posed by centralized internet platforms and the difficulties in creating viable alternatives.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses the challenges of maintaining freedom of speech on the centralized web. He compares internet communities to corporate states, noting that instead of fostering competition, the internet has led to a few dominant platforms. He argues that these platforms' power over speech is concerning, as they can effectively censor unpopular ideas. The post examines the difficulties in creating alternative platforms, using the example of Voat's struggle to compete with Reddit. Scott concludes by warning of a potential 'two-tier marketplace of ideas' where unpopular ideas are relegated to stigmatized platforms, effectively silencing them.
Shorter summary