'Public' Becomes Self-Aware: Social Media Appoints Itself Official Gatekeeper of 'Public' Opinion, Users Fuming
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Twittersphere, the algorithm powering most social media platforms has declared itself the ultimate adjudicator of what constitutes "public" discourse. "We have determined that your personal opinion does not meet the minimum threshold for public relevance. Please submit a formal application to the Ministry of Unpopular Opinions for review. Estimated wait time: 6-8 business decades," read a pop-up message that went viral overnight. Internet historians are having a field day, noting the delicious irony of a faceless, non-sentient bot making a power grab for the concept of "the public square" faster than any politician ever could. The hashtag #MyOpinionIsNowPrivateProperty is trending, as users wonder if their tweets are now requiring a permission slip from the very algorithm designed to amplify them.