It seems like it's becoming more and more difficult to pull satire off online

[xor]

Outside of DU that's pretty much my main mode of communication online. It's probably the same in the real world too. However, the last couple years I've noticed that it's becoming a lot harder to do it without people taking it at face value and not comprehending the deeper meaning. I think I tend to drop a lot of hints that point to the actual intent. I've always expected a couple people may not catch on, but it seems like the majority don't seem to pick it up these days. I thought maybe it was just me, so I posted some stuff from years ago that didn't have such a problem in order to see how it would fair today. It had the same issue as my newer stuff.

I'm not sure if it's because there are just more people around there days so the audiences are larger, or are people just becoming more "dense", or have things just become so nutty that what was once too crazy to believe is now believable? Maybe a combination of all those and more. I dunno.

Has anyone else noticed this? Seems related to how fake news stories were so popular during the last election.

[pinboy3niner]

1. Good satire takes it to a higher level of absurdity

More of a challenge when reality is so absurd, but it can be done. I seem to have a good ear for it and can usually spot it. And when one is in doubt, it's always a good idea to go to the source site and check for disclaimers, their about page, or the other articles they're hosting.

Other ways to signal your satire include citing goofily-named individuals or organizations.

[LisaM]

2. You're right.

Social media has made us less able to read verbal and physical cues. And entertainment is less sophisticated. I watch a lot of 1930s movies and the verbal interplay is so sparkling.

[cemaphonic]

3. Look up Poe's Law sometime

There are so many people out there that will say stupid unbelievable shit online either because they are really dumb/gullible, or they are trolling. So pulling off satire online without coming across as either of those takes a pretty sharp wit. Or sheer repetition - Look at an article from The Onion, and observe how heavy they lay it on to let you know they aren't serious.

To be fair, online lacks the visual, tone and body language cues that make it much easier to apply in person.

[pinboy3niner]

4. These days, the best political satirist is not The Onion, it's Andy Borowitz

I love Borowitz and I'd put his track record up against anyone's. Simply the best!

[spike91nz]

5. $ as punctuation for satire.

I suggest we use $ as punctuation indicating satire. Clearly has a degree of that quality in its current usage.


Trump is a genius $$$$!

Yep looks right to me