233: Social Media is Making Us Stupid

<p>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.</p> <p>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."</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 true believers. Those who express sympathy for opposing groups get friendly fire from their bad judgment.</p> <p>The cure is to convince people to interact with others who don't share their beliefs. But nobody does that.</p> <p>Unfortunately, it's going to get worse. There are technologies in place that will make this problem much bigger.</p> <p>Haidt offers some suggestions for how to fix this mess, which the boys discuss.</p>