The State Minister for Digital Affairs, Dorothee Bär, presents herself controversially and exaggerates some statements. In just a few days, she has survived several shitstorms – were they justified? We take a closer look.
Dorothee Bär from the CSU is Germany’s new State Minister for Digital Affairs and thus has a significant relevance for us gamers. At least when it comes to attention from the internet, Ms. Bär has done everything right – because in recent days, she has been the topic of discussion repeatedly.
The title image comes from dorothee-baer.de
The “Flying Taxi” Debate
Bär had to endure a lot of mockery and scorn last week after she deviated in a television interview on the topic of digitalization and broadband expansion. In her opinion, digitalization is more than just comprehensive access to fast internet. For Bär, digitalization also includes clear application possibilities, such as autonomous driving or the use of flying taxis.
Especially the last point made the internet boil over and caused loud laughter. Many comments poured in like “Ms. Bär must have seen too much Star Wars” or titles like “Minister of Daydreams”.
What most of the mockers probably didn’t know: Flying taxis are not a “crazy sci-fi idea,” but are currently being tested in Dubai. The ideas for this largely come from Germany. Ms. Bär was referring to a specific application area that is anything but a figment of the imagination.
There are crazies on Twitter, only old people on Facebook
In an interview with Welt, she made further statements that many people did not like. She referred to the critics and mockers, explaining that “Twitter is not the cradle of innovation in Germany [either].” For her, the reactions in social media are clear evidence that there is still much work ahead of her.
Dorothee Bär also has a strong opinion about social media like Twitter and Facebook. Both platforms are probably not particularly promising for the future, as younger generations are withdrawing more and more from them. She says:
“Younger people [don’t want] to be on a forum that their parents and grandparents find cool. Facebook is becoming a network for seniors. Only politicians, journalists, and psychopaths are on Twitter anyway. I should actually delete my Twitter account. That would make my life easier.”
At least the statements about Facebook can be substantiated, and for months now, it has been complained about a slow “aging” process there. The younger generations are leaving.
The statements about Twitter, however – who would have thought it – caused another shitstorm. That her statements about Twitter should probably be viewed with a pinch of humor is proven by the fact that she regularly posts – and that quite humorously.
Cortyn says: I would really appreciate it if “the internet” would stop constantly taking individual terms and statements out of context and twisting them in the most extreme way possible. Because in my opinion, Ms. Bär said nothing in the overall context that justifies such reactions.
Sure, one can view the statement about Twitter critically and speak of a large generalization – but ultimately she only reflected what had been thrown at her in recent days. Therefore, I think: Let the woman do her thing first; you can always criticize her later if necessary.
What is your opinion on Dorothee Bär and her statements about Twitter, flying taxis, and more?
