Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'd argue that in this case, it deplatforming absolutely worked in the way intended. There are 2 factors at play here. People who are willing to argue in good faith, and people who are simply trying to put forth an agenda regardless of what anyone says. Those who likely moved to Gab and Voat and 4/8chan are likely persons that fit the latter description. There is no need to even have discussions with people like thes…
Deplatforming can't work- otherwise the world would now be as white-bread homophobic and misogynistic as it was in the 50's when blacks, gays, and women were deplatformed.
How about WW2 which was essentially about deplatforming the nazis? That worked out quite well for many MANY parts of humanity.
Deplatforming is a new word that has been weaponized by people of a certain political persuation, but the reality is that it is simply the nipping of a perceived organized destructive idea in the bud.
I realize this may cut both ways but I am of the belief that too many people exist in a fantasyworld where good faith arguments are the majority of discussion on the internet. Bigots rarely ever actually want to partake in good faith discussion.