223: Social Media is Making Us Stupid

Jonathan Haidt says the last 10 years have been uniquely stupid. Why? Because of social media.

The boys drink and review a homebrewed Old Ale, then discuss Jonathan Haidt’s essay on how and why the last ten years have been uniquely stupid.

He points the finger at social media, and a few particular features: retweets, likes and shares. “We might have just handed a four year old a loaded weapon.”

The problem is that outrage spreads faster than sensible talk. A Republic requires time to slow things down and insulate public policy from the mania of the moment.

Social media amplifies polarization. It’s a major source of the fights and divisions, and it accentuates the outrageous. Common ground is considered a betrayal by the true believers. Those who express sympathy for opposing groups get friendly fire from their bad judgment.

The cure is to convince people to interact with others who don’t share their beliefs. But nobody does that.

Unfortunately, it’s going to get worse. There are technologies in place that will make this problem much bigger.

Haidt offers some suggestions for how to fix this mess, which the boys discuss.