Sean of the South on algorithms, cancel culture and why he’s tired of walking on eggshells

Key Takeaways:

• Smartphones and online platforms are changing how people consume news, contributing to the decline of newspapers.
• Algorithms that push controversial content fuel outrage culture.
• A Christmas banjo tune led to allegations of racism, illustrating the volatility of public discourse.
• Dietrich expresses fatigue over constant self-censorship, describing it as “walking on eggshells.”
• He fears that the erosion of newspapers and reading points to a troubling future for open communication.

The New Age of Algorithms

Sean Dietrich, a Southern writer, sees smartphones and data-driven algorithms as powerful forces that have “killed newspapers” and “gutted reading.” He points out that, as users rely increasingly on alerts, feeds, and curated content, traditional print publications have struggled to remain relevant. With fewer readers willing to pick up a newspaper, he believes the ripple effects of this shift stretch far beyond technology—it changes the way society processes information.

Origins of Outrage Culture

In Dietrich’s view, platforms that rely on algorithms encourage outrage because highly charged reactions drive clicks and engagement. These platforms reward emotionally compelling posts, resulting in a world where debates quickly escalate into personal attacks or widespread condemnation. This dynamic not only affects news consumption but also influences how people treat one another in everyday conversations.

A Christmas Banjo Tune Sparks Controversy

One of Dietrich’s most striking examples is how a simple holiday banjo performance unexpectedly became a hotbed for accusations of racism. He cites this as a clear sign of a broader societal trend where even innocent gestures can be recast as offensive. Dietrich uses this incident to illustrate how quickly emotional reactions go viral online, turning what might have once been a minor debate into a scandal.

Walking on Eggshells

Dietrich admits he is “tired of walking on eggshells,” an expression meant to capture the constant fear of saying something that might provoke public outrage. He suggests that this climate of self-censorship stifles creativity and genuine exchange of ideas. For him, the collision of technology, evolving cultural norms, and widespread skepticism threatens to undermine the very nature of open dialogue.

Sean Dietrich’s critique leaves readers with a pressing question: in a world dominated by digitally driven outrage, can thoughtful discourse still survive? For now, he offers a candid reflection on a society struggling to balance freedom of expression, technological convenience, and a growing fear of being “canceled.”