Indeed you’re correct in your comments. Perhaps before turning off the flow of people’s minds we need to turn on the minds to be more discerning and understanding of how to parse the flood of information we get. Social media has introduced us to our neighbors and new music and more books and new authors, it has kept distant relatives closer, showed us how to finish that home improvement project, plant better food, made us laugh when we were alone or frightened, gave us a voice when we thought no one heard, gave the poor access to a megaphone only the rich had, allowed people over thousands miles help and comfort each other after natural disasters and so much more. You are so right that if those who opened the doors to these platforms were more benevolent and well meaning it would be a great service but ultimately the wrong exist in our own hearts and minds and that has been true for all the ages. We all need to work harder to seek out what is true and good and just and allow with kindness the faults of others.
Yes but the harsh reality is that everything is based on wealth accumulation just about. Making money. Taking money. Even my mechanic recently told me after fixing my aged Toyota that they last forever. No they don’t but he knows that keeping an old car means more business for him. And btw, I will get rid of my piece of junk next year and replace it with a newer model hopefully after the crash craze goes down and the demand for used cars also diminishes.
I get it. Those of us who experienced pre social media era are not so prone to all this crap. I no longer have a Facebook account — it is the dumbest invention ever and so is tik toc. But those who own them are collecting data to be used. I do use YouTube because I’m a singer/songwriter and it gives me a platform. I hardly ever go beyond using and visiting my channel.
But so many have become habituated to these social media monsters too bad. They are a good example of why we need government regulation pure and simple.
And there is a secondary behavioral issue of making people less patient with each other. It just happened to me this morning with the only two interactions I had. Both ended abruptly. I too, have adopted the same attitude. I won’t waste my time with those who are rude.
The biggest victims are children and teens who know of nothing else. And they are being manipulated and managed. And here is a plug for those parents who demand to be stake holders. We too readily dismiss them only because they have veered off to far right but they have a point. Lack of control can be and is damaging to young minds.
And so noted a scathing comment in one of my recent songs:
The algorithm is geared toward that, too (do I sound sufficiently like a conspiracy theorist?). Outrage! Drawing a line in the sand! Those other people are awful!
This is a true fact and there are studies that point to what makes a person susceptible to these kinds of conspiracy theories. We talk about susceptibility to conspiracy theories with language similar to how we talk about gang membership -- a feeling of isolation, loneliness, and a need to belong. Add to that times of turmoil, and boom! You have ripe ground for conspiracy theories.
You are so right on. I foolishly thought that those of us who grew up and were educated pre-internet and social media would ferret out the truth from the crap, the real thought and fact from the conspiracy theory. But sadly I found that not to be so. I am sad to say a now former colleague believed some of these conspiracy theories. By the end of our 2 - 3 times a month brunch and museum visits I realized that she BELIEVED THEM ALL! The ridiculous, wild totally unbelievable garbage. At the start hen she would forward conspiracy garbage I would go so far as to fact check it and even peek behind the thin veil of the FB so called reporter to show her it was a fake. This person's FB profile was a couple of photos repeated a few times (sooooo obvious) and education from a place that doesn't exist etc., etc., etc. Since she has a 4 year degree I thought she would see the light. NOT.
We expect adults with common sense to discern the truth and common sense reporting from the Alex Jones type conspiracy hype. At the same time how do we hold these unregulated, money grabbing media companies and conspiracy theory radio hosts to the standards all other time honored and legitimate media follow? It's maddening that nothing seems to be able to hold them to account.
Being your age I heartily remember times before social media and rampant cable channels when our news came from people like Walter Cronkite.
Then came cable channels out the wazoo and radio stations run by the likes of Limbaugh and Alex Jones.
I don’t follow tok tok or you tube but do use Facebook, as another person mentioned, to keep in touch with friends and relatives. It’s sad that these ways of communicating have gotten out of control and feed minds with lies and ignorance. (I won’t call it misinformation).
I'm seeing similar misinformation -- driven by disinformation -- on my FB feed. The story about Ron DeSantis' deplorable stunt wherein he packed unsuspecting humans seeking asylum on a planed and sent them to Martha's Vineyard was one such event. It's a situation I've written about before and am contemplating again:
“In times of perceived conflict or social change, we seek security in groups,” explains a New York Times story outlining Nyhan’s research. “And that makes us eager to consume information, true or not, that lets us see the world as a conflict putting our righteous ingroup against a nefarious outgroup.”
It's so unfortunate that something so helpful can be used in such a harmful way, too. (Though social media isn't the only thing that fits that description.) I find Facebook private groups extremely helpful and supportive for people experiencing medical issues or supporting someone going thru health issues. Buy Nothing FB groups are awesome! I've even gotten post surgical PT via FB. I love it that I can see photos & comments family & friends post so I can stay connected. I've learned more about some people in my life through social media than I ever would without it (the good and not so good - maybe a clearer view). On YouTube, I have learned how to change the cabin air filter in our old van, fix our oven, and do so many other things. I've enjoyed music and Ted Talks. I wish I could have done ALL of those things, face to face, with people. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible. I wonder for those engaging with social media, what are the primary motivating factors? It isn't to be manipulated or to be lied to. Of those who end up lured down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole, what brought them to social media in the first place? For me, it was a desire for connection, with interest in education/entertainment as a more distant second. Maybe if there was a better alternative, people would lose interest. However, I cannot blame them for making money off our use of their "free" apps.
Do you guys have any ideas about what might be a good substitute in general for people who use social media? What could compete with it in all it offers?
Indeed you’re correct in your comments. Perhaps before turning off the flow of people’s minds we need to turn on the minds to be more discerning and understanding of how to parse the flood of information we get. Social media has introduced us to our neighbors and new music and more books and new authors, it has kept distant relatives closer, showed us how to finish that home improvement project, plant better food, made us laugh when we were alone or frightened, gave us a voice when we thought no one heard, gave the poor access to a megaphone only the rich had, allowed people over thousands miles help and comfort each other after natural disasters and so much more. You are so right that if those who opened the doors to these platforms were more benevolent and well meaning it would be a great service but ultimately the wrong exist in our own hearts and minds and that has been true for all the ages. We all need to work harder to seek out what is true and good and just and allow with kindness the faults of others.
This is beautiful. Thank you.
Yes but the harsh reality is that everything is based on wealth accumulation just about. Making money. Taking money. Even my mechanic recently told me after fixing my aged Toyota that they last forever. No they don’t but he knows that keeping an old car means more business for him. And btw, I will get rid of my piece of junk next year and replace it with a newer model hopefully after the crash craze goes down and the demand for used cars also diminishes.
Capitalism is awesome.
You are spot on, Susan! I enjoy my early morning reads! I’m grateful.
Well, thank you taking the time to read them.
Ditto Cyndi - Indeed! Swords up!
Indeed! Swords up!
I get it. Those of us who experienced pre social media era are not so prone to all this crap. I no longer have a Facebook account — it is the dumbest invention ever and so is tik toc. But those who own them are collecting data to be used. I do use YouTube because I’m a singer/songwriter and it gives me a platform. I hardly ever go beyond using and visiting my channel.
But so many have become habituated to these social media monsters too bad. They are a good example of why we need government regulation pure and simple.
That's the issue, isn't it? That so many people are treating these platforms as harmless distractions. They are anything but.
And there is a secondary behavioral issue of making people less patient with each other. It just happened to me this morning with the only two interactions I had. Both ended abruptly. I too, have adopted the same attitude. I won’t waste my time with those who are rude.
The biggest victims are children and teens who know of nothing else. And they are being manipulated and managed. And here is a plug for those parents who demand to be stake holders. We too readily dismiss them only because they have veered off to far right but they have a point. Lack of control can be and is damaging to young minds.
And so noted a scathing comment in one of my recent songs:
What do you think if you think at all
Oh, I read it online that’s all
What do you think if you think at all
Yep, I read it online that’s all
The algorithm is geared toward that, too (do I sound sufficiently like a conspiracy theorist?). Outrage! Drawing a line in the sand! Those other people are awful!
While social media has fueled most of the disinformation , it is not the only place to find it
Fox and other cable “ news “ sources as well as certain print media and AM talk radio has a healthy following
I know some goofballs that don’t use the internet but that doesn’t stop them from spouting conspiracy theories
How is it that so many seem susceptible to conspiracies and disinformation???
This is a true fact and there are studies that point to what makes a person susceptible to these kinds of conspiracy theories. We talk about susceptibility to conspiracy theories with language similar to how we talk about gang membership -- a feeling of isolation, loneliness, and a need to belong. Add to that times of turmoil, and boom! You have ripe ground for conspiracy theories.
You are so right on. I foolishly thought that those of us who grew up and were educated pre-internet and social media would ferret out the truth from the crap, the real thought and fact from the conspiracy theory. But sadly I found that not to be so. I am sad to say a now former colleague believed some of these conspiracy theories. By the end of our 2 - 3 times a month brunch and museum visits I realized that she BELIEVED THEM ALL! The ridiculous, wild totally unbelievable garbage. At the start hen she would forward conspiracy garbage I would go so far as to fact check it and even peek behind the thin veil of the FB so called reporter to show her it was a fake. This person's FB profile was a couple of photos repeated a few times (sooooo obvious) and education from a place that doesn't exist etc., etc., etc. Since she has a 4 year degree I thought she would see the light. NOT.
We expect adults with common sense to discern the truth and common sense reporting from the Alex Jones type conspiracy hype. At the same time how do we hold these unregulated, money grabbing media companies and conspiracy theory radio hosts to the standards all other time honored and legitimate media follow? It's maddening that nothing seems to be able to hold them to account.
These are regular people. They're not stupid, but they are gullible and the systems are aimed directly at them.
Yes. You are right - regular but gullible. If they read something in print or social media it must be true.
Hum… just like the lyrics in my song, lol.
Being your age I heartily remember times before social media and rampant cable channels when our news came from people like Walter Cronkite.
Then came cable channels out the wazoo and radio stations run by the likes of Limbaugh and Alex Jones.
I don’t follow tok tok or you tube but do use Facebook, as another person mentioned, to keep in touch with friends and relatives. It’s sad that these ways of communicating have gotten out of control and feed minds with lies and ignorance. (I won’t call it misinformation).
Lies and ignorance work just fine here. Call it what it is.
I'm seeing similar misinformation -- driven by disinformation -- on my FB feed. The story about Ron DeSantis' deplorable stunt wherein he packed unsuspecting humans seeking asylum on a planed and sent them to Martha's Vineyard was one such event. It's a situation I've written about before and am contemplating again:
“In times of perceived conflict or social change, we seek security in groups,” explains a New York Times story outlining Nyhan’s research. “And that makes us eager to consume information, true or not, that lets us see the world as a conflict putting our righteous ingroup against a nefarious outgroup.”
https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2021/05/17/op-ed-what-happens-when-we-cant-agree-on-truth/
Thank you for this. I highly recommend “Chaos Machine.”
It's so unfortunate that something so helpful can be used in such a harmful way, too. (Though social media isn't the only thing that fits that description.) I find Facebook private groups extremely helpful and supportive for people experiencing medical issues or supporting someone going thru health issues. Buy Nothing FB groups are awesome! I've even gotten post surgical PT via FB. I love it that I can see photos & comments family & friends post so I can stay connected. I've learned more about some people in my life through social media than I ever would without it (the good and not so good - maybe a clearer view). On YouTube, I have learned how to change the cabin air filter in our old van, fix our oven, and do so many other things. I've enjoyed music and Ted Talks. I wish I could have done ALL of those things, face to face, with people. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible. I wonder for those engaging with social media, what are the primary motivating factors? It isn't to be manipulated or to be lied to. Of those who end up lured down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole, what brought them to social media in the first place? For me, it was a desire for connection, with interest in education/entertainment as a more distant second. Maybe if there was a better alternative, people would lose interest. However, I cannot blame them for making money off our use of their "free" apps.
Do you guys have any ideas about what might be a good substitute in general for people who use social media? What could compete with it in all it offers?