It’s not the information available that makes a difference; but, the information accessible. That 16% indexed by google accounts for 90+% of the information most people see, and even a subtly influence can make a huge difference in what the general pubic perceives. Add that to the monolithic drumbeat of of social media, and it is very significant.
I don’t do social media, either, and I don’t miss it; however, we are probably outliers in this regard. Radio is dying, just as quickly as newsprint; that’s just a fact. Their audience is older and their methods outmoded. Why listen to a “program” when you can listen to personalized content? Podcasts are much more concise, and more targeted—and younger consumers prefer the format over traditional means.
I’m not arguing that it’s good or right; however, the social media giants act as gateways for content providers—the problem isn’t whether you can post your content on your .0001% esoteric blog, or if your message will be given real a chance in the modern public square. This censorship is bad for public discourse, and constitutes a hazard to our republic.
You know those vides from the doctors in the tweets that Twitter deleted?
They are now available on alternate video download sites everywhere and more people are watching them than ever.
All it takes is for Rush, Levin , Tucker and Hannity etc to bring those doctors plus Prof Harvey A. Risch, MD, PHD, Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health ( who said about HCQ, “ The Key to Defeating COVID-19 Already Exists. We Need to Start Using It.”) on their shows and everybody in America will be talking about them.
Old fashioned radio is still more effective than any tweet.