Digital Social Hour: The Truth Behind Twitter Censorship: Exposing the Algorithm | Jake Shields DSH #822
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Jake Shields
Release Date: October 23, 2024
In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with renowned mixed martial artist Jake Shields to delve deep into the intricacies of Twitter censorship, the evolving landscape of social media algorithms, and their broader implications on free speech and personal expression. Their conversation ranges from the nuances of online platforms to personal anecdotes from Jake's extensive fighting career, intertwining insights on politics, social issues, and the challenges of maintaining genuine relationships in a polarized digital age.
1. Twitter's Transformation Under Elon Musk
Jake Shields opens the discussion by reflecting on the significant changes Twitter has undergone since Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform.
Jake Shields [01:32]: "Before Elon bought it and my page had stopped growing, I was badly shadow banned. I could just tell, like it was barely worth tweeting because nothing would ever go viral."
Shields highlights the resurgence of engagement on Twitter post-Musk, attributing the spike in followers to the new management's adjustments to the platform's algorithm.
Jake Shields [01:52]: "Before Elon bought it and my page had stopped growing, I was badly shadow banned. Now with Elon, it's like half a million followers added since he bought it."
Sean Kelly acknowledges the positive shift, noting that athletes previously constrained by censorship now have a platform to showcase their true personalities.
Sean Kelly [01:29]: "It's cool to see you just be able to voice your opinions freely, though."
2. The Economics of a Fighter's Career
Transitioning from social media, the conversation delves into the financial realities of a professional fighter's life. Shields discusses the balance between earning through fighting and leveraging fame for additional income streams.
Jake Shields [02:45]: "You know, it's true, they are underpaid. But there's also a lot of backdoor money, especially on the high end guys. So a lot of the low-end guys are really making those crap pays."
He further elaborates on his personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of smart financial decisions and the potential to earn through sponsorships and other ventures outside the ring.
3. Weight Cutting and Its Dangers in MMA
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the strenuous practices of weight cutting in mixed martial arts, shedding light on its physical and psychological toll on fighters.
Jake Shields [08:11]: "Because it will take diuretic. It pulled the waters out. So technically it's... It was my fault for not researching better because it was on the band list."
Shields shares a personal anecdote about inadvertently ingesting a banned substance through a diuretic, resulting in a suspension. He underscores the extreme measures fighters take to meet weight classes, often compromising their health.
Jake Shields [09:00]: "There are guys that cut like 30 pounds. Guys like Tyrone Woodley in a day. 'Cause they have so much muscle mass they can pull water out of there."
4. From the Octagon to Politics: A Fighter's Awakening
Jake Shields narrates his journey from focusing solely on fighting to becoming politically active, influenced by firsthand experiences during turbulent times in San Francisco.
Jake Shields [10:37]: "I actually ran out there, fought a bunch of atifa guys off... That's when I first started following Little politics."
He recounts his involvement during the BLM protests and the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, which catalyzed his political consciousness and activism on platforms like Twitter.
5. Confronting Police Brutality and the Justice System
The episode delves into Shields' perspectives on police misconduct, particularly referencing the tragic death of George Floyd. He scrutinizes the judicial outcomes and raises questions about the handling of such cases.
Jake Shields [13:19]: "They could have brought guys like me and we could have demonstrated that you can't choke that way."
Shields challenges the official narratives and decisions in high-profile cases, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of events rather than accepting simplified, often biased accounts.
6. The Influence of Foreign Entities in U.S. Politics
A heated segment discusses the purported influence of foreign entities, especially Israel, in shaping U.S. political landscapes. Shields posits theories about deep-state operations and the manipulation of political outcomes through hidden agendas.
Jake Shields [32:23]: "I think they definitely manipulate, for sure, American politics... They're controlling our politics because... They can control through apac, which is the Israeli Lobby."
He expresses skepticism about the transparency of political funding and the role of foreign lobbies, calling for stricter regulations and investigations into these influences.
7. Social Media, Free Speech, and Personal Integrity
Returning to the core theme of the episode, Shields and Kelly explore the complexities of free speech on social media platforms. Shields shares his experiences with deplatforming and censorship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authentic discourse.
Jake Shields [17:27]: "If you're going within the laws. I know, I know Destiny's going borderline within the laws. So I understand. I would just leave everyone up there... if you're within the laws."
He advocates for allowing open conversations, even with controversial figures, to preserve the essence of free speech while acknowledging the challenges posed by platform policies.
8. The Erosion of Loyalty in Modern Friendships
Shields reflects on the impact of political and social divisions on personal relationships, lamenting the lack of loyalty and the ease with which friendships are severed over disagreements.
Jake Shields [35:55]: "I have such loyalty to my friends... If my friend does something I really don't like, I'm not going to publicly condemn them. I'm going to call them privately and have a conversation with them."
He contrasts his approach with the prevalent tendency to publicly shun friends over differing opinions, emphasizing the value of private reconciliation and understanding.
9. Social Issues: Transgender Rights and Youth Mental Health
The conversation takes a critical turn towards contemporary social issues, with Shields expressing strong opinions on transgender policies and the mental health crisis among youth.
Jake Shields [40:52]: "Doctors that do that should be... I think some of these kids are finally suing the doctors. That should be big."
He argues against early medical interventions for transgender youth, advocating for more cautious approaches and highlighting the consequences of current practices.
10. MMA Anecdotes and Personal Challenges
In the latter part of the episode, Shields shares vivid stories from his MMA career, including intense sparring sessions and confrontations that illustrate his resilience and combat philosophy.
Jake Shields [43:35]: "Sean went way too hard. But to be fair, I did warn Sneako what he's walking to. So he took a beating like a man."
These anecdotes serve to underscore the physical and mental demands of being a professional fighter, as well as the personal growth that comes from facing and overcoming such challenges.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Jake Shields offers a multifaceted perspective that intertwines his experiences as a fighter with his outspoken views on politics, social media, and societal issues. Sean Kelly adeptly navigates the conversation, allowing Shields to share his candid opinions while fostering a space for critical dialogue. The episode underscores the complexities of navigating free speech in the digital age, the pressures athletes face both inside and outside the arena, and the intricate web of political influences that shape contemporary discourse.
Notable Quotes:
- Jake Shields [01:52]: "Elon bought it and put on, you know, half a million followers added since Elon bought it."
- Jake Shields [08:11]: "It was my fault for not researching better because it was on the band list."
- Jake Shields [17:27]: "If you're within the laws... I would just leave everyone up there."
- Jake Shields [35:55]: "I'm not going to publicly condemn them. I'm going to call them privately and have a conversation with them."
- Jake Shields [40:52]: "Doctors that do that should be... I think some of these kids are finally suing the doctors."
This episode of Digital Social Hour by Sean Kelly with Jake Shields provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between social media dynamics, personal integrity, and broader societal challenges. Whether you're a fan of MMA, interested in the nuances of free speech online, or curious about the personal journeys of public figures, this episode offers valuable insights and candid reflections.
Stay Connected with Jake Shields:
- X (formerly Twitter): @JakeShieldsAJJ
- YouTube: Jake Shields AJJ
- Instagram: Jake Shields on Instagram
Note: Links and platform names are illustrative. Please verify the actual social media handles for accuracy.