In the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, as Joe Biden secured Pennsylvania and crossed the 270 electoral votes needed for victory, many Trump supporters began to feel disillusioned. While Biden’s supporters celebrated, Trump’s base voiced allegations of fraud and began migrating from mainstream social media platforms like Facebook to a new app called Parler.
Just days after the election, Parler surged from being the 1,023rd most downloaded app to the top spot in the App Store. According to Parler’s founder, John Matze, the app saw a staggering two million new users in just one day, and the engagement rate among active users skyrocketed.
Parler has attracted many Trump supporters who feel that social media giants are imposing censorship with their efforts to curb misinformation around the election. They perceive Parler as a haven for free speech, where diverse viewpoints are purportedly welcome. The platform’s community guidelines emphasize minimal content removal, but reports suggest that users with left-leaning views have faced bans. The CEO has expressed a desire for more liberal voices to enhance discourse.
Functionality and Features of Parler
Launched in 2018 by two graduates, Parler resembles Twitter in functionality. Users can follow accounts, share posts that include images and memes, and interact through comments. Unlike Twitter’s retweet feature, users can “echo” posts, and they can upvote instead of liking. Notably, each post allows for up to 1,000 characters.
While Donald Trump himself is not on Parler, many prominent right-wing figures have established a presence. By November 9, figures like Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Fox News hosts had amassed millions of followers.
The Migration to Parler
This isn’t the first instance of a mass exodus from mainstream social media. Earlier this year, users promoting COVID-19 disinformation and violence during protests were banned and subsequently migrated to Parler. The platform has also attracted QAnon supporters and groups banned elsewhere for promoting violence.
The allure of Parler for Trump supporters lies in its perceived leniency towards controversial content, raising concerns over its potential to harbor misinformation and incitement to violence. The notion of a community formed solely by like-minded individuals can create an echo chamber, stifling diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where extreme views can flourish.
Implications of the Shift
The swift shift of Trump supporters away from established platforms raises questions about their commitment to their beliefs. Instead of reflecting on dissenting viewpoints, there appears to be an immediate rejection of any platform that deviates from their narrative. This trend illustrates a deeper division within the country that complicates the path to healing.
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Conclusion
In summary, Parler has emerged as a significant social media platform for Trump supporters seeking a space free from perceived censorship. The app’s rapid growth reflects a deeper trend of polarization in social discourse, raising concerns about the consequences of echo chambers and the spread of misinformation.
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