How did we get here?
I've been reflecting on how our country has become so divided and polarized. It feels like every issue, every event, and every conversation is amplified to extremes, leaving no room for rational, friendly, or even spirited discussions. How did we get to this point? Here are my thoughts:
1. COVID Isolation: The pandemic forced us into physical isolation, cutting off many of the face-to-face interactions that used to help us navigate disagreements and see each other as people, not just opinions.
2. Social Media Addiction: Many of us, myself included at times, have become addicted to social media feeds. These platforms are designed to keep us engaged, and the content that rises to the top often plays on our emotions—anger, fear, frustration—pushing us further into our own bubbles.
3. Amplification of Extremes: Extremists, both domestic and foreign, exploit these platforms, feeding us increasingly extreme content designed to divide us further. They don't care who's right or wrong—they just want to keep us fighting.
The result is a toxic environment where every issue becomes a battleground, and finding common ground seems harder than ever.
But it's up to us to decide where we go from here. We can choose to break this cycle, engage in more thoughtful conversations, and work to rebuild the sense of community that’s been eroded. Let's remember that we don't have to agree on everything to respect and care for one another.
I AI generated a vision of two futures (above). It's up to us.
Choose wisely.
And now more than ever, remember:
