Re: ostracisation

That very same behavioural pattern actually kept the stupid at bay - up until the internet happened.

The internet, for all its positive effects, also gave the stupid they would've previously lacked if they allowed their stupid to show too much: community. It allowed even the most fringe idiots like conspiracy theory believers, to openly be dumb again - because there's no longer a risk of being alone. They found "their people", so to speak. And even if everyone else locally thinks they're a moron... why does that matter when online there's thousands who egg each other on and provide that much needed social connection?