I think that one difference is friction. Communication in the real world takes more effort to spread and has more limitations on the ability to scale that sprea

I think that one difference is friction. Communication in the real world takes more effort to spread and has more limitations on the ability to scale that spread. E.g. it costs money to put up billboards and someone standing on a soapbox in the town square can only reach so many people. That friction provides greater opportunities for cooler heads to prevail and greater opportunities for people to counter questionable narratives. It's somewhat similar to the laws some places have against providing free alcohol. Alcohol is still legal and abuse still happens. However, at least requiring people to spend money provides some friction to prevent things from escalating too much.