Politics is always a sensitive subject, and a good media outlet must be objective and neutral if it wishes to deliver factual information and not partisan interpretations. This is what we will achieve here, with the intention of offering a clear vision of the issues facing micronationalists.
The change in social media policies
Mr. Mark Zukemberg's announcement the day after Donald Trump's election to the US presidency is clear: The META network, in the name of freedom of expression, will no longer filter certain comments that were once considered offensive or discriminatory, not to mention the fake news and deep fakes that already abound. Elon Musk, owner of "X," has also pursued this idea since the beginning of his acquisition of "Twitter." This "freedom of expression" inevitably creates satisfaction for some and concern for others within the micronational community. So what can micronationalists do in this context? How can we ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the Micro-World where religions, politics, and even minorities are becoming increasingly radical?
The answer to these questions lies in the intellectual capacity of micronationalists to express their ideas without being offensive. But in the case of hate speech, the reaction of those concerned can also make a difference in avoiding futile and endless conflicts. Up to this point, everyone will agree: "It's simple, just ignore and block the aggressor." Yes, but this answer will not suit everyone because it all depends on the intensity and exposure of the verbal aggression.
Ignore or regulate
Even today, the Micro-World is completely incapable of establishing an inter-micronational body like the UN or the International Court of Justice to appease or punish harassers or aggressors. The only case that achieved consensus in the history of modern micronationalism is that of the Emperor of Stomaria. Thanks to his "Friends without benefits" tirade, he achieved the feat of being sanctioned by the entire inter-micronational community.
Will there be two Micro-Worlds in the future, similar to the fractured state of several democratic societies? Will we be able to respect each other's opinions and differences? Will micronationalists do this better than the great leaders of this planet? For now, most are content to ignore comments and posts that displease them. It also happens that two micronationalists who do not share the same point of view end up blocking each other on social media so as to no longer be challenged in debates deemed futile.
Microcosme.info invites micronationalists to ask themselves these questions in order to preserve the very essence of this exceptional movement. Let us not forget that micronationalism is born from the desire to imagine an ideal country, an ideal society, or at least a glimpse of a better world. How can this be built if micronationalists do not open themselves to societal debates with intelligence and mutual respect?
Should a peacemaking body or a common charter be created to replace the disappearance of regulation on social media? This question is legitimate at a time when major inter-micronational events are enabling encounters.
The arrival of AI and the development of fake news are already shaking up the "Micro-World"
We now live in a world where conflicts of interest are increasing. On social media, the information we receive is no longer always based on facts but on what we want to believe and hear. We are therefore all influenced by information that interprets and reinforces each other's ideas. This is the law of algorithms pre-programmed to keep us on social media for as long as possible.
This selective information is increasingly becoming the norm and is increasing with the development of AI. Ultimately, there will be less and less truth, but truths. AI already produces them, doing the work for which it is programmed. Being aware of this today is necessary to gain perspective on our certainties. Questioning what shapes our beliefs is therefore essential for micronationalists to maintain more measured and less categorical exchanges.
Emperor Olivier of Angyalistan was keen to warn of the dangers of fake news and its dark effects by making the subject the focus of the second Microfrancophonie summit in Vincennes in 2016. Nine years ago already. His Imperial Majesty hosted this micronational gathering by questioning his colleagues on what micronations could do to combat this scourge. Since then, several micronations have experienced serious internal conflicts. This was notably the case during COVID in the Principality of Aigues-Mortes, where "anti-vax" citizens renounced their citizenship as soon as the Prince's Cabinet announced its support for vaccination. On social media, both sides found information that suited their respective beliefs. This made the debate extremely difficult, if not impossible. Recently, the same phenomenon is threatening civic cohesion within certain micronations between pro- and anti-Trump supporters.
Micronationalism will not change the world, but within it, it must preserve the fraternal spirit that animates it beyond individual convictions. Designing a better world cannot be seriously considered without the ability to debate or without a willingness to consider friendship and fun as sacrosanct pillars of micronationalism. In a world that is becoming increasingly divisive, it is imperative that micronationalists do not forget what is beautiful they have brought to this world: Fraternity beyond borders. None of us can say that we are not manipulated today by the information we receive. Whatever your conviction, the algorithm will make sure to go your way, rightly or wrongly. So since none of us can be sure of our sources, let us at least remain sure of one thing: Our friendship.
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