Oct. Metaphor Min: Bane or Boon?

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By way of introduction to this month’s metaphor example, I begin with this twist from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: 

To regulate tech companies or not, that is the question;

Whether ’tis nobler in the culture to suffer the effects of outrageous algorithms,

Or, to enact regulations against a sea of lies and misinformation

And by opposing end them

Read on…

The Debate

The internet has been both bane and boon for all of us. On the one hand, we love its broad connectivity and instant access to information. On the other, the way the social media companies run their business models, the internet has also become a dangerous cesspool for the spreading of hate, fear, and divisiveness in our society, threatening our very democracy.

Tech firms will argue they are “just platforms,” that “freedom of speech” is at stake, and that they have no responsibility for what is said on their sites.  Those who disagree see social media firms more as utilities that need regulatory guardrails. No doubt you have heard these arguments as well. It’s a complex issue with technical, political, legal and ethical ramifications.

Complexity Simplified

Yet political scientist Ian Bremmer managed to boil the regulatory issue down to a single compelling analogy that everyone can understand. In a recent Ted Talk interview, he said,

 “It [social media] is just like the phone company. If you and I are having a conversation, say, about blowing something up, we’re responsible for that, but if the phone company identifies everyone else who might be interested in blowing something up or is considering that and takes that conversation and promotes it to them, then, you, the phone company, are responsible. You are liable. You should be taken down and we are in a war right now and the social media companies are actively fanning the flames. They are spraying fuel on the flames and they are doing it globally…” 

• The phone analogy? Instantly understood and very impactful.
• The additional fire metaphors?  Reinforces the danger of unchecked social media.   
• Feeling felt by a listener? Outrage!

Bring on the regulators!

In Your World

Metaphors/analogies simplify the complex and add a visual and evocative punch to your information. And when people “see” what you are saying, no matter how complex the information, they are far more likely to take the action you desire.

What metaphors/analogies can you use to add instant understanding and impact to your complex points?

Anne Miller

Make What You Say Pay! – with Metaphors

Photo by Gilles Lambert on Unsplash 

P.S. Ian Bremmer made these remarks towards the end of his October 9^th Ted Talk interview on the Israel/Hamas crisis  https://tinyurl.com/4zh8swjf

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