PRONG’s TOMMY VICTOR: ‘Social Media Has Corrupted People In A Very Strange Way’
Prong guitarist and singer Tommy Victor said social media, the internet and smartphones have helped spread misinformation and sharpen political divisions in the United States. He believes online culture encourages people to agree quickly with claims and worry about expressing opinions, and predicts people may later look back on constant phone use and political posting as foolish.
In an interview with Metal Kaoz, Victor said he now mainly uses social media for light-hearted posts and criticised music-industry publicists who share political views in their professional roles. He also discussed artificial intelligence, saying he did not expect it to destroy humanity, while pointing to GPS and car safety systems as useful technology. Prong’s self-titled album is due for release, though the article gives no date.
In short
- Victor says social media has intensified misinformation and political division.
- He now uses it mainly for light-hearted posts.
- He sees benefits in technology such as GPS and safer cars.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
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The case for
Social media and smartphones can spread false claims rapidly, deepen political divisions and reward quick agreement over careful thought. Victor’s concern that constant political posting can make people wary of expressing themselves, and that publicists’ political statements may blur professional and personal roles, reflects a desire for more thoughtful discussion and clearer boundaries.
The case against
Online platforms also let people share information, organise, and express views that might otherwise go unheard; political disagreement and misinformation are not unique to social media. Publicists, like other professionals, may reasonably see public political speech as part of their personal expression, while audiences can assess those views for themselves. Smartphones and online tools also have practical benefits, as Victor’s own examples of GPS and car safety systems suggest.
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