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> The people you describe have been given a highly addictive media environment tailor made to engender outrage and drive behavior. It shouldn't be a shock when
by LexiMax 1y ago
> The people you describe have been given a highly addictive media environment tailor made to engender outrage and drive behavior. It shouldn't be a shock when most people cannot resist it.
Although I also take issue with labeling people "stupid," I also take issue with the blanket assumption that people are victims of the media environment. Both take away people's agency in their own way.
Instead, I'll ask this uncomfortable question. What if a good chunk of these people would prefer to believe a convenient lie over an inconvenient truth? If so, what does that say about them and their morals? Is that better or worse than being labeled stupid or a victim?
- cmurf 1y agoAbsolutely there is a strong component of cognitive dissonance: the truth hurts, lies are soothing. The truth? They do not care about basic right and wrong. They voted for a rapist, a felon, a vile insurrectionist. There’s no morality and we know this based on how they’ve voted. But also the unwillingness by their friends and family to call them out promotes non-accountability. For everyone.
- Mariiyaah 1y agoTough spot when every feed is engineered for outrage, but it also feels too easy to say folks have no choice in what they lean into. You could try Loyally ai to think about it like habits and rewards, small nudges change what we return to. Over time that can shift preferences toward stuff that holds up, not just what feels good in the moment.