Conspirituality Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Brief: Post-Election Online Survivor Group Dynamics
Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remsky, Julian Walker
Release Date: November 16, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of Conspirituality, co-host Matthew Remsky delves into the intricate dynamics of online survivor groups that have emerged in the wake of the post-election landscape. Titled "Post-Election Online Survivor Group Dynamics," this episode examines how these digital communities mirror and diverge from traditional survivor groups associated with religious abuse, highlighting the unique challenges and tensions that arise in the digital age.

The Analogy: Religious Survivor Groups vs. Post-Election Online Groups

Remsky begins by drawing parallels between online survivor groups formed by individuals escaping abusive religious communities and those emerging in the aftermath of the second Trump presidency. He reflects on his experiences observing Facebook groups dedicated to abuse survivors, noting both the healing potentials and the inherent tensions within these communities.

"Finding fellow survivors who have left the same group is one of the most powerful things you can do for your sanity and your dignity" (02:45).

While religious survivor groups often provide a space for mutual support and shared understanding, Remsky observes that the post-election online groups lack a similar honeymoon period of generalized connection. Instead, they are immediately fraught with divisions and competing agendas.

Dynamics and Tensions Within Online Survivor Groups

Remsky identifies several key sources of tension within these online communities:

• Diverse Experiences and Healing Processes: Members arrive with varying levels of trauma, different timelines of recovery, and unique personal experiences. This diversity leads to conflicts over how to process and discuss their shared grievances.

• Divergent Goals: Some members advocate for the complete dismantling of political structures they perceive as harmful, while others seek to retain certain aspects they find meaningful or protective.

• Philosopher's Insight: Referencing philosophers T. Nguyen and Becca Williams, Remsky introduces the concept of "moral outrage porn," where the gamification of social media transforms justified outrage into a detached form of entertainment, diluting the impact of genuine moral responsibility.

"Moral outrage could be necessary and motivating, but moral outrage porn... could become a morbid but pleasurable indulgence" (15:30).

The Emergence of Hierarchies and Leadership Conflicts

One of the most striking observations Remsky makes is the formation of informal hierarchies within these survivor groups. Leadership often gravitates towards individuals who can generate the most engagement through outrage, regardless of the utility or accuracy of their contributions.

"Leadership positions were often seized by those who had the stickiest takes. These were the posts that created the most engagement, not because they were the most useful or informative, but usually because they drove outrage" (12:50).

This phenomenon aligns with what philosopher Ofemi Taiwo describes as the "politics of deference," where leadership is assigned based on perceived identity and personal narrative rather than actual skills or contributions. Such dynamics can hinder the group's ability to function democratically and supportively.

Privilege and Inequality Within Online Groups

Remsky emphasizes the role of privilege and unequal vulnerabilities within these online survivor groups. He argues that recognizing and addressing these disparities is crucial for fostering genuine solidarity and mutual support.

"If only people could recognize that they were entering a space of inequality where people were sharing different immediate needs and objectives... they might be able to listen to each other better" (25:10).

He highlights how societal inequalities, exacerbated by capitalist structures, influence how individuals experience and participate in these digital communities. For instance, marginalized groups such as Arab Americans and transgender individuals face existential threats that add layers of complexity to their interactions within these survivor groups.

The Buddha’s Second Arrow: Navigating Trauma and Rumination

Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, Remsky introduces the concept of the "second arrow," which represents the rumination and judgment that follow traumatic events. He critiques how social media amplifies these second arrows, turning personal and collective trauma into ongoing cycles of distress.

"The second arrow is the rumination and the judgment... The social media overlords have strung the bow and notched the arrow, but who will draw the string and let it fly?" (30:45).

Remsky argues that recognizing the space between the initial trauma and the subsequent rumination offers opportunities for more mindful and constructive responses, rather than falling into habitual patterns of negative engagement.

Building Constructive Online Communities

Despite the challenges, Remsky maintains an optimistic view on the potential for online solidarity. He suggests that while online platforms often exacerbate conflicts and hierarchies, there are still pockets of genuine support and mutual aid that can be cultivated.

"There are definite possibilities for solidarity and mutual support online, and I'm sure we'll continue to find that and feel it in pockets here and there" (34:20).

He advocates for a "politics of construction," focusing on building and nurturing supportive online environments that acknowledge and address inherent inequalities and differing needs.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In concluding the episode, Remsky warns listeners to be vigilant about the pitfalls of online survivor groups, such as falling into moral outrage porn or allowing hierarchical dynamics to overshadow collective well-being. He encourages the cultivation of supportive and equitable online communities that prioritize mutual understanding and constructive engagement.

"When you realize the ship you've built is in a bottle for someone else's amusement and profit, I believe we can feel these things and learn when to log the fuck off" (40:10).

Remsky also provides resources for listeners seeking support, directing them to mutualaidhub.org, which maps out local organizations across the U.S. that facilitate community pods for food sharing, temporary housing, child translation, navigating government services, and emotional support.

Key Takeaways

• Complex Dynamics: Online survivor groups post-election mirror traditional survivor communities but face unique challenges due to the digital environment.

• Moral Outrage vs. Constructive Action: Distinguishing between necessary moral outrage and its commodification is crucial for meaningful activism.

• Privilege Awareness: Acknowledging and addressing privilege and inequality within groups can enhance solidarity and support.

• Constructive Online Engagement: Building supportive, equitable online communities requires intentional effort to prioritize mutual understanding over hierarchical or divisive dynamics.

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Resources Mentioned:

• Mutual Aid Hub: mutualaidhub.org – Maps out local community support organizations across the U.S.

Thank you for tuning into Conspirituality. Stay informed, stay connected, and take care.