We always have been. The difference is that we’re getting a constant firehose of refuse spewed at us 24x7. As we lowered the cost of publishing, we created a v

We always have been. The difference is that we’re getting a constant firehose of refuse spewed at us 24x7. As we lowered the cost of publishing, we created a vicious cycle. Segmented audiences mean more targeting is required. More targeting requires appeals to more and more specific, and weird segments, fueled by YouTube and podcasts. Look at the growth of conspiracy theories. That stuff was the province of truckers and other listeners of overnight AM radio. Now, people have a heartfelt belief in flat earth and chemtrails.