Posted on 08/12/2019 7:27:34 AM PDT by Kaslin
“… we definitely help divide people”
It is impossible to understand the current state of social polarization while ignoring the Internet, and its especially toxic part, which should be called anti-social media (“ASM”). ASM includes Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Reddit. ASM distorts our social and political communications in many ways. The mechanics of ASM generate misunderstanding, hatred, and polarization. ASM leaders multiply this damage by denying that and falsely pointing fingers at Trump and Trump supporters.
Lack of Empathy Aggravated by Anonymity
ASM is not and has never been social. The internet is perfect for storing and transmitting information, but it does not transfer the most important parts of real human interactions: empathy, sympathy, and other feelings that we have for each other, even when we disagree.
In real life, most of our interactions are with people whom we know and with whom we have relationships: family, friends, romantic interests, co-workers, or neighbors. Most of our interactions on ASM are with unrelated individuals whom we don’t personally know and who could be thousands of miles away.
Added to this is the anonymity, which brings out the worst in humans.
Most of us have learned to be nice to the people around us, in real life. We like them or we are concerned about our relationships with them. We are also apprehensive about the negative consequences of our rude behavior, including possibilities like being fired or even punched in the face. We are also accustomed to such considerate treatment from others.
But nothing prevents users from insulting others on ASM – there are no feelings, no relationships, and no accountability. Online, many people unlearn good manners and freely insult others at any opportunity. Even more alarming, this new habit transfers to real life.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
Twitter is the worst. I’m only following non political accounts, changed my trends to Poland and have muted the names of nearly every politician, MSM network and late night talk show host.
I quit Twitter 2 1/2 yrs. ago. So glad I did!!
I can always read what President Trump tweeted via Breitbart.
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