8chan and its ilk are primarily symptoms. Of just exactly what, I'm not sure. But major factors in the US are very likely ongoing deindustrialization, increasing wealth inequity, global climate change, and changes in gender roles.
Which of those are ultimately good or bad is another conversation. Although I gotta say that gender roles certainly needed change. But the fact remains that they're happening.
But of course, 8chan and its ilk are also mechanisms that exacerbate those symptoms. However, while shutting them down may be morally satisfying, it's no substitute for actually addressing (yeah, politics speak) the underlying problems.
Which of those are ultimately good or bad is another conversation. Although I gotta say that gender roles certainly needed change. But the fact remains that they're happening.
But of course, 8chan and its ilk are also mechanisms that exacerbate those symptoms. However, while shutting them down may be morally satisfying, it's no substitute for actually addressing (yeah, politics speak) the underlying problems.
Not that I have much of a clue how, sadly enough.
This ain't going to end well.