Page 109 of The Explorer
“Says the man without humor,” I barked back.
Wringing his hands, Oliver drew his eyebrows close. “We don’t mean to disrespect the size of your countries, but from a practical and logistical perspective it would make sense that you join our platform.”
“Why?” Aubri raised her chin and frowned at Oliver.
“Well, because there’s one point seven billion of us versus twelve or thirteen million combined Northlanders and Europeans.”
“But isn’t Fun with Friends censored?” Thor asked. “Our people would violate your stupid rules about proper communication all the time.”
“Fun with Friends is part of our WiseShare network, which is monitored by the librarians. It’s true that we have to follow certain rules. Crude talk won’t be tolerated.”
Freya took the floor. “I’ve had conversations with Jonah and Pearl about a shared social media platform in the past. For those who haven’t been on Fun with Friends yet, I’d like to explain the difference between what we know in the Northlands and Motherlands.”
People were nodding so she continued.
“The biggest difference is that platforms in the Motherlands are limited to using tool technology. It’s part of the postwar protection law that was established back in 2061. Tool technology means that the system has to work as a toolforyou and not the other way around. In the Northlands, we don’t have that law and social media platforms are allowed to use tactics aimed at keeping the users engaged for as long as possible. Algorithms are designed to attack the human reward system in the medial forebrain bundle and create an addiction.” Freya pointed to her head.
“Are you sure?” Doreen used a skeptical tone.
“Yes. I understand it’s hard for you to believe because you’ve never experienced anything like it. In the Motherlands a game or social platform cannotwantanything from you. But in the Northlands, there are ads for you to click on and notifications nudging you to come and spend more time on the platform.”
“So? We can just ignore all that. We don’t need fucking librarians to protect us from crude content,” I argued.
“There are other issues with our social network platforms. Because they are designed to make you want to spend time on them, they will show you what you want to see and eventually skew your worldview.”
Thor leaned forward and frowned at his sister. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about. Whenever you click the barfing bin or the chopped-off head, you’re telling the system that you disagree with a post and the algorithms will know not to show you that sort of thing again. Before long you end up in a bubble on your platform with people who all agree with you. You might even think that everyone thinks like you.”
Leaning back in his seat, Mason groaned. “I don’t see the problem. Why would I want to see something I disagree with?”
Freya’s shoulders fell. “I’m pointing out the differences, not telling you what’s right or wrong. In the protection law of 2061, it is stated that a breakdown of civil communication led to increased division and outrageous lies, which flamed the Toxic War. The Motherlands value censorship because history shows that lies spread faster than truth. Democracy depends on shared truths while autocracy relies on shared lies.”
I glared at Freya. “Why are you defending the Motherlands? You’ve always been a believer in free speech.”
“Indy, I’m not defending the Motherlands. I’m simply explaining a topic that I’ve discussed many times and know a lot about.”
“Yeah, well, if you know so much then explain what autocracy means,” Mason said.
Victor snorted, but Freya patiently explained. “Autocracy is when one person has complete power. In the Motherlands and France they have democracy, where they vote to decide who leads their country.”
“Anything else is a dictatorship,” Isaac interjected.
“We had an election too,” Mason pointed out
“Yes. Once, back in April 2449,” Freya confirmed. “That’s seventeen years ago. A true democracy would require regular elections.”
“Still, Khan waselectedby the people,” Mason said with a pointed stare in Isaac’s direction.
Freya stuffed her hands in the pockets of her flowery summer dress. “I think we should save that conversation for another day.”
With Freya sitting down, Thor turned to the Motlanders. “Give us an example of what you would censor.”
“Isn’t it easier to ask them what they wouldn’t censor?” Isaac interjected.
Lachlan answered, “Our librarians censor polarization. Attacking or alienating a group isn’t allowed.”
“Don’t you people long for freedom of speech?” I asked.
