Stanford Center for Internet and Society

In a recent email debate, a friend of mine raised an interesting point about the role of the Internet in fueling populist fervor, especially during the current economic meltdown when populism has been a particularly dominant cultural force. We were discussing the issue in the problematic context of anonymous online bulletin boards, where negativity and vitriol seem to fester in nearly every context. It is certainly the case that angry, anonymous posts about Wall Street elites can often be unproductive and reactionary, and they have the potential to breed further negativity. But it seems to me the recent glut of news reports about lavish bonuses and other company perks on Wall Street touches on something deeper.

Last week, FOX News icon Bill O’Reilly made a series of insulting and demeaning remarks on-air about highly-esteemed female journalist, Helen Thomas. In today’s digital world, the reaction to this type of offensive behavior is swift and pervasive (just ask Don Imus).