Social Media Reacts to an Attempted Assassination + Tech Elites for Trump + TikTok's Jawmaxxing Trend

The attempted assassination of former President Trump marked a significant shift in the role of social media in civic life and news consumption. While the event was undeniably grim and unsettling, the response on social media platforms was characterized by a proliferation of conspiracy theories from all political sides. The absence of fact-checking and labeling of misinformation on these platforms allowed for an "information vacuum" to be filled with unfounded speculation. This trend is not entirely new, but the lack of intervention from social media companies in the face of such a high-profile event highlights the urgent need for a more effective approach to combating misinformation online.

During times of uncertainty and breaking news, particularly concerning significant events like a presidential assassination attempt, it may be futile for social media platforms to try and intervene in real-time to stop the spread of misinformation. Human nature compels people to speculate and share information, and platforms may not be able to effectively curb this behavior. In the immediate aftermath of such events, it might be more beneficial for platforms to take a more relaxed approach and let users access a mix of truth and fiction while they wait for accurate information to surface. However, this approach comes with its own challenges, including the potential for confusion and the proliferation of misinformation. Ultimately, media literacy and the ability to discern reliable sources from unreliable ones becomes crucial in navigating the information landscape during these moments.

During breaking news events, social media platforms should allow for some speculation before taking action to suppress misinformation. However, once facts have been established, platforms have a responsibility to act against dangerous narratives that could lead to violence. Additionally, understanding the demand side of misinformation, which is the audience's desire for information and belief in conspiracy theories, is crucial in addressing the issue. The supply side, which includes those creating and spreading misinformation, is also important but addressing the demand side may be more effective. The example of the Phantom Time Hypothesis shows that less dangerous conspiracy theories may be a way to distract from more harmful ones. Another interesting development is the increasing number of Silicon Valley and tech leaders coming out in support of the Trump campaign, indicating a potential shift in political allegiances in the tech industry.

There has been a noticeable shift in the political allegiances of some high-profile figures in Silicon Valley, with Elon Musk, Mark Andreessen, and Ben Horowitz publicly endorsing Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. This realignment has come as a surprise to many, but some argue that the speed of the change over the last six weeks has been driven by a sense of political mute-ness lifting and a belief that they can act on their beliefs without significant backlash. Additionally, concerns over regulatory actions from the Biden administration, particularly around tech mergers, crypto, and potential taxation of unrealized capital gains, have added to the motivation for these individuals to speak out and support Trump. However, it's important to note that these individuals are also acting in their self-interest to protect their investments and personal wealth. The motivations behind this realignment are multifaceted, with elements of self-interest and personal attack on the wealthy also playing a role.

The tech industry, represented by firms like Andreessen Horowitz, is aligning with Donald Trump's campaign due to perceived economic prospects and personal connections, such as JD Vance's background in tech. This realignment is seen as a bet on Trump's potential win, as well as an attempt to influence policy on issues like regulation and taxation. Additionally, some in the tech industry feel targeted and vilified by the left, leading to a sense of emotional hurt and a desire for political allies. Trump's willingness to be flexible on certain tech-related issues, like TikTok and crypto, may also be a factor.

The relationship between tech elites and politics, particularly during election seasons, is complex and multifaceted. The discussion highlighted how some tech leaders, like Elon Musk, have felt marginalized or overlooked by certain political figures or parties, leading to frustration and potential business implications. However, it's essential to remember that criticism and demonization of big tech have come from both sides of the political spectrum. Additionally, the tech industry's concerns about regulatory changes and the impact on their businesses under different administrations cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the tech industry's relationship with politics is a delicate dance, with the potential for significant consequences for both parties involved.

There's a new trend among Gen Z men who are chewing ultra-hard gum, known as facial fitness gum or hard gum, in an attempt to build up their jaw muscles and sharpen their jawlines. This trend, which has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, has been circulating online since 2021 but has recently gained mainstream attention. The gum, which is much harder and tackier than regular gum, is marketed as a way to "max out" one's appearance and achieve a desirable, broad jawline. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of this practice is limited, and dentists warn that chewing hard gum for extended periods can lead to dental issues such as cracked fillings, dislodged crowns, and exacerbated TMJ. Despite these risks, the trend continues to gain traction, with influencers promoting various jawline gum products and companies capitalizing on the trend by selling their own versions of the gum.

There is a trend among teenage boys and young men of using hard jawline gum and engaging in practices like mewing to enhance their perceived masculinity. This trend, which can be seen on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, has gained significant popularity, with companies selling these products using hyper-masculine language and marketing tactics. While some view it as a harmless trend, others are concerned that it may contribute to body dysmorphia and self-esteem issues, especially among younger boys who may not naturally conform to these ideals. According to reports, companies like Jawliner have sold over a million orders, with the majority of their customers being between 18 and 25 years old. Some younger teens are also using the gum, despite concerns from parents and dentists about potential jaw problems. The trend can be seen as a watered-down version of earlier movements like the Meninist community and mewing, which also aimed to promote a more masculine ideal. While some view it as a fun and light-hearted trend, others are concerned about the potential risks it poses to young boys' self-esteem and body image.

The speakers on Hard Fork discussed their experiences with a new trend of chewing extremely large amounts of gum, comparing it to the childhood game Chubby Bunny. They shared their feelings of discomfort, mintiness, and self-esteem changes. Some saw it as a way to improve their jawline, while others saw it as a shallow trend prioritizing physical appearance over intellectual depth. Despite the speakers' differing perspectives, they all found the experience unique and worth sharing. The episode also touched on topics like working out pain, instructional videos, and the importance of serving the "normal face community." Hard Fork is produced by Whitney Jones and Rachel Cone, edited by Jen Poyon, fact-checked by Ina Alvarano, engineered by Chris Wood, and features original music by Marion Lozano, Rowan Nemesto, and Dan Powell.