April 15, 2016
“Give everyone the power to share anything with anyone.”
So said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on April 12, in describing Facebook’s 10-year plan. His optimistic vision includes virtual reality projects, drone-based internet access, and artificial intelligence bots that fulfill our digital desires.
But his message also had a not-so-silver lining:
[A]s I look around and I travel around the world, I’m starting to see people and nations turning inward — against this idea of a connected world and community … I hear fearful voices calling for building walls and distancing people they label as others, for blocking free expression, for slowing immigration, reducing trade and, in some cases around the world, even cutting access to the internet.
In turn, a spokeswoman from the Trump campaign said: “I think I’ll take Mark Zuckerberg seriously when he gives up all of his private security, moves out of his posh neighborhood and comes live in a modest neighborhood near a border town, and then I’m sure his attitude would change.”
Negative Social Mood Is Fueling Extreme Politics
If you look closely, you can see patterns in social mood that help you predict social trends. Learn more with the Socionomics Premier Membership.
The Socionomist enables you to see trend-shaping waves of social mood, as reflected by the stock market — and capitalize on them. The June issue looks at phases of social mood and features a “Research Roundup,” which highlights five academic studies that shine a light on important aspects of socionomic theory. Mood Riffs topics include “quiet luxury,” loneliness, the Writers Guild strike and efforts by countries to trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Read the June issue when you become a Socionomics Premier Member.
