Introduction:
In the vast expanse of the internet, few platforms have managed to capture the attention and imagination of millions quite like Reddit. A virtual computer playground for discussions, information-sharing, and community building, Reddit has become a hub of diverse communities covering an astonishing range of topics. However, on June 12 Reddit made history as it embarked on an unprecedented journey—a platform-wide strike. This blog delves into the events leading up to the strike, the motivations behind it, and the impact it had on the internet and beyond. (And why you can no longer use your computer to find useful niche advice from some random Reddit person!)
The Precursor:
Reddit has always prided itself on its commitment to freedom of expression and an open marketplace of ideas. Over the years, it has become a breeding ground for grassroots movements, allowing users to engage in discussions, organize campaigns, and amplify their voices. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and Reddit has not been immune to controversies. From instances of hate speech and harassment to concerns over corporate influence, cracks in the platform's foundation had begun to show.
The Spark:
It was against this backdrop that the spark was ignited. A group of dedicated Redditors, fuelled by a sense of disillusionment and a desire for change, began to rally the community around a common cause. They sought to draw attention to the issues they perceived as plaguing the platform, ranging from inconsistent content moderation to concerns about transparency and accountability. In particular the sale of some of the data to big companies which would lead to Reddit users needing to pay for the service that they already pour so much time into for free.
In a statement from the group, many moderators of the subreddits that were participating in the protest said: “On June 12th, many subreddits will be going dark to protest this policy. Some will return after 48 hours: others will go away permanently unless the issue is adequately solved, since many moderators aren’t able to put in the effort they do with the poor tools available through the official Reddit computer app. This isn’t something any of us do lightly: we do what we do because we love Reddit, and we truly believe this change will make it impossible to keep doing what we love.”
Organizing the Strike:
Organizing a strike on a platform as massive and diverse as Reddit was no small feat for computer users. However, the organizers skilfully utilized the same tools that had made the platform so powerful in the first place. They created dedicated subreddits, crafted detailed posts outlining their grievances, and launched a massive grassroots campaign aimed at gaining support for the strike.
The Demands:
The striking Redditors presented a list of demands that they believed were crucial for the platform's future. These demands encompassed a wide range of issues, including clearer content moderation policies, increased transparency in decision-making processes, stronger protection against hate speech and harassment, and a more meaningful role for the user community in shaping the platform's direction. The demands aimed to foster a more inclusive, democratic, and user-centric Reddit.
The Impact:
As news of the impending strike spread, the Reddit community became increasingly polarized. Some users supported the strike wholeheartedly, while others questioned its efficacy and expressed concerns over potential collateral damage. Regardless of individual opinions, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and curiosity surrounding the strike.
On the day of the strike, Reddit fell silent. Subreddits that were once teeming with activity were suddenly frozen, leaving only a message of solidarity. Google searches on your laptop to Reddit articles came up as “private” and could not be accessed. Users found themselves confronted with a blank canvas—an absence that spoke volumes.
The impact of the strike reverberated far beyond the confines of the Reddit platform. The absence of its lively discussions and vibrant communities highlighted the immense power and influence that Reddit wielded. Media outlets covered the story extensively, and conversations around online governance, user rights, and the responsibilities of social platforms took center stage.
The Aftermath:
Following the strike, Reddit's administrators and community managers were compelled to acknowledge the demands put forth by the striking Redditors. In a series of public statements, they pledged to address the concerns raised, promising increased transparency, better content moderation practices, and a more inclusive decision-making process.
While the strike did not resolve all the underlying issues in one fell swoop, it marked a turning point in the relationship between the Reddit community and the platform's administrators. It demonstrated the power of collective action and served as a wake-up call to the platform's management, urging them to listen more closely to the voices of their users.
Conclusion:
The day Reddit went on strike will be remembered as a defining moment in the platform's history. Perhaps they even will succeed in their quest for freedom on expression in a way that is fair for all.
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Further reading here and also the source of our quote in the blog.