The article discusses the paradox of increasing education leading to liberalism, now reversed in the digital age as social media fosters division and extremism. As the algorithms of these platforms prioritize sensationalism, they weaken reliable discourse and fact-checking. This environment allows conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies, such as QAnon, to flourish unchecked, particularly among younger demographics. The article posits that modern society has reverted to a medieval-like morality, where clear in-group/out-group dichotomies destroy tolerance and promote hostility, undermining the progressive advancements associated with education.
As countries became more educated, their political views moved in a liberal direction, with increasing religious tolerance and favorable attitudes toward minorities. However, the digital age has reversed this trend.
The fundamental design of algorithms on social media, favoring sensationalism over truth, has created an environment where opinions are treated as facts and conspiracy theories thrive.
In a world of social media with little fact-checking, conspiracy theories flourish unchecked, as seen with the explosion of QAnon, showcasing a troubling shift towards extremist beliefs among youth.
Extremist movements today utilize a black-and-white morality that labels the in-group as virtuous and out-group members as deserving of punishment, twisting the essence of public discourse.
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