It's an interesting question on a different level than individual
choice/behaviour.
In real life, most people shun being associated with a socially
ostracised outlaw group, deviants or extremists. Even for actual
criminals, deviants or extremists, we don't like to be labelled and
lumped in with the others - except where a group is oppressed by
obvious social-injustice, which engenders a sense of pride in
belonging.
Twitter, is, as far as I can see, widely recognised as "cesspool of
the worst of the worst of us". And I have never perceived Twitter as
some sort of oppressed minority unable to find a voice in society. Yet
people choose to remain on the platform, and some have even built
their entire identity and life around it.
I think this is because the old media sought to legitimise it. They've
worked very hard for a long time to bury the tawdry and unacceptable
side of it.
In real life, most people shun being associated with a socially ostracised outlaw group, deviants or extremists. Even for actual criminals, deviants or extremists, we don't like to be labelled and lumped in with the others - except where a group is oppressed by obvious social-injustice, which engenders a sense of pride in belonging.
Twitter, is, as far as I can see, widely recognised as "cesspool of the worst of the worst of us". And I have never perceived Twitter as some sort of oppressed minority unable to find a voice in society. Yet people choose to remain on the platform, and some have even built their entire identity and life around it.
I think this is because the old media sought to legitimise it. They've worked very hard for a long time to bury the tawdry and unacceptable side of it.