Strategies and Suppositions

Pascal writes:

"Crucially, there must be "political individuals" to recognize this situation and accomplish a feasible transition to healthy networks of this kind. Perhaps the self-canceling social systems are themselves only unhealthy, unintelligent versions of these networks. What are the half-way steps? How do we prevent toxic networks and what protocols can be established and tested for the sensible production of these anti-mass political bodies?"


If we accept that the goal of politics is primarily involved with the organization of power, and that corruption occurs when this function is externalized into control over others’ actions, then right away an antidote suggests itself. This is twofold- first is the need for as much independence from the system as possible; second is the technological means for distributing intelligence. These two factor are intertwined, meaning that an impact on one will adversely affect the other.
So far, historically speaking, we have had a great deal of the former, but little of the latter, and now that trend has reversed itself, in that the prominence of so-called ‘social media’ applications makes it possible for a multitude to rapidly network and assert its power. Unfortunately, as long as we remain dependent on corporations to create these tools, both hardware and software, and governments to sanction their use, then the possibilities for true freedom will remain only half realized.
The ‘political individuals’ of the future are the informed ‘activists’ of today. I use this term in its broadest possible connotation, implying not merely those who hold signs, shouting in protest about this or that issue, but individuals actively engaged in the restructuring of society. This restructuring can take many forms, in fact, the less traditonally organized the better. To be an activist, implies, at heart, the ability and capacity to act. Anything which furthers this capacity is a step in the right direction.
Even seemingly simple things, such as writing a blog, cutting down consumption, growing food, searching the net, can all be considered forms of activism.

1) How do we prevent toxic networks?
The most critical thing is to have clear and concise information, and a strategy for utilizing it (finding, filtering, compiling, processing, and distributing it). It may sound cliche, but knowledge IS empowerment. A network is only as good as its imputs and outputs- the information flowing through it. The key is to achieve enforceable standards which are as deeply inclusive as possible without running the risk of becoming epistemologically meaningless. This can be done through a process of independent reinforcement. Information which is valuable (‘useable’) will propagate itself through multiple nodes in the network. Interfacing with it will tend to reinforce these connections, strengthening the network. Ultimately, the best defence against bad (read: corrupting) information, is freedom. An openess to critical and contrary viewpoints serves to filter the information we must deal with.
[note: i intend to write further regarding the best way to deal with the volumes of information we are confronted with daily, as this is a key problem that needs to be addressed for our development to continue.]

2) What protocols can be established and tested for the sensible production of these anti-mass political bodies?
If you are asking how we will know once this kind of network has established itself, then all i can say is that we will probably be able to judge by its effects in the world. Primarily, we will begin to see a breakdown of so-called ‘traditional’ social structures, for example, the decline of traditional media, and its replacement with digital alternatives.
Also, keep an eye out for an increase in repression, restriction, and rules- the three R’s of all failing social systems.
Other than that, if you are referring to a plan of action for implementation, well, that is jut something that will have to evolve organically through time.
As far as i have been able to determine, the single most critical step is the creation and distribution of information, basically what we are engaged in right now.