BY: Evan Justice
Parler, a micro-blogging social media service, has become the top trending app in both the Google Play and Apple Stores following the 2020 presidential election.
Parler has become very popular among conservatives who feel their voices are being silenced by large social media companies that allow liberal users to say whatever they want without any kind of repercussions. Described as a social media app that doesn’t limit free speech, Parler does not have the same restrictions on speech as Facebook and Twitter do.
Because of this, many have labeled Parler as an echo chamber that could allow crazy conspiracy theories and racist rhetoric to spread. However, according to Parler policy, posts can and will be removed if they contain terrorist threats, hate speech, promotion of illegal activity, or spam messages.
Not only can posts be removed, but a Parler account can also be banned or removed from the platform. Like Twitter, Parler users can report posts for breaching Parler policy. If those posts are found to be in violation of Parler policy, the poster of the content will be issued a violation. If a user gets more than 20 violations within 90 days, their account will be deleted.
The structure of Parler is also like Twitter. Parler users can post text or images, comment on other user’s posts, like posts, and “echo” posts— similar to retweeting. Unlike Twitter, however, Parler doesn’t have a trending or discover page. If users want to see a certain kind of content on their page, they will need to search for said content and follow accounts that post what they want to see.
As of late July 2020, the Parler app had over 2.5 million users on its platform. Following the results of the 2020 presidential election, that number has more than tripled. A hashtag movement was started on Twitter following the election in which users voiced their support for Parler and their frustration at the double standards from big companies like Twitter and Facebook restricting free speech.
Despite the negative rhetoric, Parler does not show favoritism to one set of ideals or beliefs. Regardless of your political affiliation, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or personal opinion, Parler allows users to express themselves without fear of being canceled, unlike Twitter or Facebook whom many see as turning a blind eye to public shunning of certain ideals and information.