What is Parler and How Has it Changed Social Media?

Title: Parler: Redefining Social Media with Unbridled Freedom of Speech

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, share information, and conduct business. More than ever, people are engaging online to express their opinions, build their brand or connect with like-minded individuals. However, traditional social media platforms have been grappling with the challenge of balancing free speech and moderation, especially in the wake of the rampant spread of fake news, hate speech, and political polarization. Enter Parler, a new social media platform that has redefined the way we interact online.

What is Parler?

Parler, launched in August 2018 as an alternative to Twitter, has become a buzzword in recent months due to its rapid growth and open policies. It is a social media platform that positions itself as a free-speech alternative to mainstream social media behemoths, such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Unlike other social media platforms, Parler does not have a stringent content moderation policy and has been perceived as a safe haven for conservatives, free speech activists, and those who feel stifled on mainstream platforms.

How has Parler changed social media?

Parler has positioned itself as a platform that offers complete freedom of speech, allowing users to share their opinions without fear of censorship, shadow-banning or account suspension. According to Parler CEO, John Matze, the platform’s core values are “Free Speech, Privacy Rights, Relevance and civility.” Parler has been hailed by its supporters as a breath of fresh air, an uncensored platform that is not afraid to take on Silicon Valley’s so-called ‘cancel culture’ and promote conservative ideals.

However, the platform has also come under fire for its lack of moderation, especially in light of recent events such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol building in January 2023. Parler was accused of being a breeding ground for extremist groups, hate speech and inciting violence. As a result, the app was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play, and Amazon Web Services, which hosted the platform, terminated its contract, citing violations of its user agreement.

Despite its rocky start, Parler has amassed a sizable user base of over 15 million registered users, with over 10 million joining in the last few months. The platform’s user base grew exponentially after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, with many conservatives flocking to Parler, citing dissatisfaction with mainstream media coverage and the perception of censorship on social media.

What sets Parler apart from other social media platforms?

Parler’s user interface is designed to resemble that of Twitter, with hashtags, mentions, and retweets. However, unlike Twitter, Parler does not use algorithms to curate users’ feeds, nor does it shadow-ban accounts. Instead, users view content based on who they follow, and posts are ordered chronologically. Parler also features several unique features, such as the “echo” feature, which functions like a retweet but does not share the original post on the user’s feed.

Parler’s commitment to free speech is also evident in its content moderation policies. The platform has a “Community Guidelines” section that outlines its moderation policies, which is less strict than traditional social media platforms. Parler only removes content that is illegal under U.S. law, such as child pornography or Intellectual Property (IP) infringement. The platform does not remove hate speech, misinformation or any content considered offensive or false, as long as it does not violate U.S. laws.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Parler is a social media platform that has carved its niche by offering its users complete freedom of speech without fear of censorship. The platform has been the center of controversy due to its unmoderated content and accusations of harboring extremist groups. Regardless of its challenges, Parler has redefined social media by offering an alternative to traditional social media platforms and promoting open dialogue, collaboration, and freedom of expression. It remains to be seen whether Parler can balance freedom of speech with moderation and continue to grow its user base in the face of recent challenges.

FAQs

1. Is Parler safe?

Parler has been criticized for its lack of moderation, which has led to the proliferation of hate speech, extremist groups and misinformation. However, Parler has committed to improving its moderation policies and providing a safe environment for its users.

2. Can I sign up for Parler?

Yes, anyone can sign up for Parler. The platform is available to users in most countries and can be accessed via the website or mobile app.

3. How do I use Parler?

To use Parler, create an account on the website or mobile app. Once you’ve signed up, you can customize your profile by adding a bio, photo and following other users. You can also post content, leave comments and engage with other users.

4. Is Parler better than Twitter?

Parler and Twitter offer different user experiences, and each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Parler’s commitment to free speech has made it popular with many conservatives, while Twitter is popular with a broader range of users.

5. Does Parler have a future?

Parler’s future remains uncertain due to recent controversies and challenges. However, the platform has shown resilience and continues to attract new users despite recent setbacks.