Is anyone like me also sick of our increasing lack of actual unbiased factual news from our mass-media “news” outlets? And this is on both sides of the aisle. I believe it to be the match that has lit the fuse on social media; it forces people into their own echo chambers, and seems to be growing in leaps and bounds.
What we seem to forget is that these media outlets are all competing for market share, and to that end strive to put out the most outrageous viewpoints; frequently the facts be damned. The “man bites dog” story is so much more compelling than the “dog bites man” story. A “man bites dog” story refreshes and morphs every few days for another news cycle, with something equally or more sensational. But, depending upon the political slant of each outlet, a central theme emerges, belying their true agenda.
Unfortunately when people buy into it so much, again on both sides of the aisle, their consumers begin to become radicalized and carry it over into social media. The fact that people tend to be much crueler than they ever would be in person with someone else on social media further divides us. This is the negative edge of the sword of social media.
On balance, to supplement my retirement and music income, I have been doing some part time work which puts me into socially-distanced contact with many people of all races, religions, cultures, etc. What is refreshing is that 98% are kind, loving, “normal” people, who are just trying to get through life. Thank God.
The news is no longer the news. Editorial commentary, each with its own agenda du jour, has replaced it. This is not a red-side-good nor blue-side-good commentary, it is an indictment on the responsibility on both sides that true news journalism has been shed and abandoned in recent history, and a condemnation of the negative effect it has had on social media; it is training us to wear whatever colored horse-blinders we choose. This is also an appeal to folks to refrain from incendiary rhetoric on social media, to speak to others in a manner that you would if face to face, and with respect. Arguments are healthy at room temperature; neither icy cold nor heated, but temperate.
Please note that any comments to this piece that take any particular political stance will be deleted. This is not the place for haters, nor a place for anyone to try to convince anyone else that blue or red is better. Thanks for your indulgence and honoring this request.