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Debate is one of the pillars of politics. It provides a forum where issues can be explored and opinions can be aired. Without it, the critical conversations that fuel democracy break down.
Engaging in healthy debate has become exceedingly challenging in today’s world. Many people have been left out of the current political discourse. Independents and moderates in both parties typically have their voices overshadowed by the political extremes. Young people struggle to break into an entrenched and polarized political system that does not appear to serve their interests. Citizens of all political stripes have become disillusioned with the dysfunction and vitriol in our politics, which has created an environment where healthy debate is all but impossible.
Building communities around healthy discourse
It is time for the way in which we debate to evolve, once again granting equal access to political discourse. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) empower that evolution by building communities around the goal of productive political debate.
Social media platforms — and the algorithms that drive them — funnel individuals into ideological bubbles where users largely see only content they agree with. This contributes to polarization in our politics. Democrats rarely engage with Republicans, and vice versa, and Independents can feel completely left out.
Empowering a revival in political debate
The increase in toxicity that social channels have brought to political discourse seems to be discouraging politicians from entering into debates. Recent reports reveal that 58 percent of Senate races during 2022 occurred without the candidates engaging in debates. One expert commenting on the lack of debates in US gubernatorial races explained that candidates have decided that participating in debates, “is not in their own best interest.” If a safe place for political debate is not established, the valuable insight that they provide to voters on candidates’ platforms could be lost.
Several factors make blockchain communities a better platform for debate, including transparency. Data on blockchain is virtually tamper-proof and highly accessible to everyone in the community. There are no algorithms to navigate on blockchain; everyone can experience and evaluate the ideas that are presented. Additionally, blockchain communities afford a higher level of equality as each NFT holder is ascribed an equal value in the community.
The diversity that blockchain technology empowers is another factor that contributes to healthier debate. The pool for participants is not limited to a narrow geography. As a result, a wider range of perspectives can be brought to bear on political issues. By reaching a broader audience, blockchain communities avoid the dangers of the echo chamber.
Providing a safe space for ideas to evolve
Blockchain communities focused on political issues also provide a space for simulated political contests. The ongoing debate encouraged in the communities can be coupled with mock elections. These simulations, which can be run again and again, give politicians and political parties a safe place to present platforms and receive relevant feedback. The result is an environment in which political ideas can evolve and public sentiment can be understood prior to an actual election.
Communities built on blockchain can be truly democratic, promoting civil conversations across party lines. NFT holders in these communities buy into the mission of breaking down ideological bubbles and assist in building a new political ecosystem from the ground up. Everyone is invited to participate. Everyone gets a voice. NFTs make it possible.
By Aaron Rafferty, CEO — BattlePACs
Aaron Rafferty is the CEO of Standard DAO and Co-Founder of BattlePACs, a subsidiary of Standard DAO. BattlePACs is a technology platform that leverages NFTs to transform how citizens engage in politics and civil discourse. BattlePACs believes participation and conversations are critical to moving America toward a future that works for everyone.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the views of Bitcoin Insider. Every investment and trading move involves risk - this is especially true for cryptocurrencies given their volatility. We strongly advise our readers to conduct their own research when making a decision.