The unprecedented and alarming events of today’s coup attempt by supporters of President Trump in Washington, D.C., unfolded in real-time, mirroring the way they were initially organized – through social media platforms. Once again, platforms like Twitter, live streaming services, and other user-generated content sites were the primary sources of information regarding the situation in the nation’s capital, while simultaneously serving as channels for the spread of misinformation and propaganda.

Initially, official broadcasts and social media posts suggested a day focused on the electoral certification process within Congress, accompanied by a Trump-led rally intended as a general protest. However, as extremists assembled at the U.S. Capitol, what began as isolated confrontations between them and law enforcement quickly escalated into a violent takeover of multiple federal buildings, including the one where Congress was conducting a joint session.

Traditional news outlets and established media organizations found themselves struggling to maintain pace as individuals on all sides documented the ensuing turmoil. As extremists advanced into surrounding buildings, then the Capitol Rotunda, and ultimately the House and Senate chambers, a wide range of individuals – from White House press personnel to political staff and elected officials from both parties – utilized live-tweeting and streaming to share events as they transpired.

Footage depicting security personnel overwhelmed by large crowds, either retreating or engaging in physical altercations, was viewed by millions, many of whom likely found it difficult to believe the scenes unfolding before them. Simultaneously, reports emerged from across the country detailing similar breaches of government buildings.

https://twitter.com/MEPFuller/status/1346905489561579532

This situation underscored the significant capacity of social media to function as a decentralized, real-time source of crucial information. The importance of receiving direct accounts from those present, such as images posted by individuals inside the Senate chamber showing rioters attempting to breach a barricaded door while security personnel aimed weapons through shattered windows, cannot be overstated.

Lawmakers, aides, and journalists shared live updates as they were evacuated from their offices, instructed to take cover to avoid gunfire, or provided with gas masks in anticipation of tear gas or pepper spray deployment. What might have appeared abstract when reported by commentators on the National Mall became intensely real as these individuals expressed genuine fear for their safety. Those entrusted with maintaining order – our elected officials – were themselves the targets of threats.

However, social media also facilitated the amplification and acceptance of these serious offenses, as rioters broadcast their actions and shared images on platforms like Parler and Reddit communities aligned with President Trump. It was readily apparent that some participants were motivated by a desire for social media attention, despite the fact that their posts and videos constituted evidence of federal crimes.

Meanwhile, President Trump and his supporters minimized the severity of the violence, attributing blame to Democrats for employing “inflammatory language” and reiterating unsubstantiated claims about the election results.

Despite repeated assertions of commitment to addressing these issues from leaders like Jack Dorsey and Mark Zuckerberg, efforts to curb the activity of white supremacist groups, self-proclaimed “militias” such as the Proud Boys, and misinformation campaigns like “Stop the Steal” have yielded limited success. Despite ongoing assurances regarding the use of artificial intelligence and dedicated moderation teams, these platforms continue to host misleading and inaccurate information concerning topics like COVID-19 and election integrity.

Technology leaders expressed, once again, their dissatisfaction with these companies. While deplatforming has proven partially effective, it is not a comprehensive solution. As the expense and complexity of launching platforms, such as live streaming sites, decrease, it is reasonable to anticipate that individuals removed from one platform will readily find a new home on another, and their followers will accompany them.

The potential benefits and inherent risks of social media were both prominently displayed today, reaching their peak. It is difficult to envision a similar event unfolding in the future without the intimate level of detail provided by those on both sides – the government and the insurgents.

Although Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have implemented various measures of differing degrees of severity and permanence, it appears that they may no longer be capable of effectively suppressing the most egregious content, either due to a lack of adequate tools or because those responsible have created their own alternative platforms.