Jonathan Haidt compares American society today to the Biblical story of Babel. He argues that social media breaks down society and democracy by depleting social capital, weakening institutions, and minimizing shared stories.
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Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid

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Jonathan Haidt compares American society today to the Biblical story of Babel. He argues that social media breaks down society and democracy by depleting social capital, weakening institutions, and minimizing shared stories. #Digital Wellness 📱🧘  Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid It’s not just a phase. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/

Jerome Cody

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Nate

🤔 hmmm haven’t read it yet but this makes sense.

No one questions the fairness of a system that places them on a pedestal.

What would make people start to believe in these things in the first place? THEY’RE UNHAPPY WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE. The more we see (mis)information, the less it shocks; we’re more likely to assume that it’s true. Social media is speeding up the feedback loop, fomenting outrage, and highlighting differences — but correcting Facebook will only be a temporary fix without addressing the underlying cause.

It’s easy to see how other people are biased, but we all are. Haidt’s article points to a target we can all agree on (social media SUCKS), while missing the underlying causes — because when you’re a well-compensated, well-respected individual, of course you think the system is fair.

believing in a skewed version of reality (that other people are all to blame; that the media is lying; that the government sucks and we shouldn’t believe it) becomes easier when the reality that we’re presented with is, to put it mildly, *unsatisfactory*

He then blames the Retweet function and Like button for all the world’s ills: a democracy gone wrong, the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, etc., etc. Don’t get me wrong — Facebook f***ing sucks, I think the company should burn in hell for knowing that Instagram is bad for the mental health of teenagers and for inciting unrest abroad. And it’s scary that a sizable portion of people claim to get their news from Facebook, But the problem isn’t just with Facebook. Facebook is mainly speeding up the rate of how quickly people can pass information along.

Bobby

What would make people start to believe in these things in the first place? THEY’RE UNHAPPY WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE. The more we see (mis)information, the less it shocks; we’re more likely to assume that it’s true. Social media is speeding up the feedback loop, fomenting outrage, and highlighting differences — but correcting Facebook will only be a temporary fix without addressing the underlying cause.  It’s easy to see how other people are biased, but we all are. Haidt’s article points to a target we can all agree on (social media SUCKS), while missing the underlying causes — because when you’re a well-compensated, well-respected individual, of course you think the system is fair.  believing in a skewed version of reality (that other people are all to blame; that the media is lying; that the government sucks and we shouldn’t believe it) becomes easier when the reality that we’re presented with is, to put it mildly, *unsatisfactory*

I’m Sam, I’m the curriculum director at Gregorio Perfecto High School in Manila, Philippines. I’ve been an educator and administrator for just over 25 years. Our school is spending a good amount on edtech, but I don’t feel like we’re getting the most out of it. I’d love to learn from everyone what is working for them. Thanks!

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Sam Mendoza

🤔 hmmm haven’t read it yet but this makes sense.  No one questions the fairness of a system that places them on a pedestal.

I agree with most of Haidt’s essay; here’s its overall point:

“Social scientists have identified at least three major forces that collectively bind together successful democracies: social capital (extensive social networks with high levels of trust), strong institutions, and shared stories. Social media has weakened all three. To see how, we must understand how social media changed over time — and especially in the several years following 2009.”

I agree with most of Haidt’s essay; here’s its overall point:  “Social scientists have identified at least three major forces that collectively bind together successful democracies: social capital (extensive social networks with high levels of trust), strong institutions, and shared stories. Social media has weakened all three. To see how, we must understand how social media changed over time — and especially in the several years following 2009.”

Just a Zennial trying to make sense and thrive in this crazy world! 🗺 

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Jerome Cody

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