In this episode of Almost Above Average, host Christopher McIntyre dives into Anthony Christian’s compelling exploration of how artificial intelligence and government surveillance are transforming the landscape for activists, organizers, and ordinary citizens.
The latest push for “public safety” laws isn’t just about health care or crime—it’s about narrative control. Through executive orders and expanded surveillance funding, dissent is increasingly criminalized and re-framed as a threat. Behind the scenes, sophisticated monitoring systems use algorithms to classify online activity, flagging anything from local complaints to coordinated protests as potential risks.
Why does this matter? Because most of these AI tools are brittle, clumsy, and easily confused by simple human nuance. Yet the stakes couldn’t be higher: a post that goes viral for the wrong reason could trigger real-world investigations, while consistent, low-profile civic work is more likely to fly under the radar. Mistakes happen—and they’re often at our expense.
Takeaways from the Episode:
Executive power is being used to criminalize dissent and chill democratic participation.
Automated AI scrapers label and sort billions of posts, but often misinterpret context and intent.
Organizers must adjust strategies—avoiding “triggers,” sharing local stories in scale, and staggering distribution—to remain effective without unnecessary risk.
Telling authentic, personal stories and prioritizing consistency over viral spectacle can protect communities from unwanted scrutiny.
Diversifying channels and sticking to verifiable facts strengthens your defense against algorithmic silencing.
Building small, rapid-response teams and partnering with local journalists create resilient networks for truth-telling and advocacy.
AI isn’t magic—it’s an imperfect machine run by imperfect people. But recognizing its flaws allows organizers to adapt and continue important civic work in the algorithmic age. As McIntyre reminds us: when we coordinate with honesty and resilience, we hold real power—regardless of what the “flagging” machines might say.
If you care about the future of civic engagement and want to build smarter narratives in your own community, subscribe, share your stories, and join the conversation. Together, we can keep dissent human, creative, and strong—algorithm or not
Follow Anthony Christian on Substack
https://substack.com/profile/107793067-anthony-christian?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
