Part 12/14:
Interestingly, the community’s prominence waned after ongoing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse surfaced in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Cases of harassment, grooming, and cultlike control led to internal fractures, causing more mainstream factions to distance themselves. Yet, even as rationalist communities lose influence, their shadow persists in fringe groups embracing similar beliefs.
The Influence of Internet and Social Media
The story highlights how digital connectivity acts as an accelerant for radicalization. Unlike decades past, where exposure to such communities would require physical movement and social navigation, today’s online environments facilitate instant access to radical ideas and like-minded individuals.