Description

Today, we have access to more information than ever before on virtually any topic. With social media, anyone can easily put anything out there for everyone to see. There are mostly no editors to filter content. This enables splinter groups and extremists to have a field day, and gain strength never before possible.

More and more, people are getting their news and commentary from the biased sources that reinforce their views.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between real vs fake news. No single source is seen as reliable anymore.

Even refugees are impacted by this phenomenon. They can now see the opportunities and the methods for getting out. Their friends reach them by cellphone.

What is the effect on society, for both adults and children, of the overwhelming access to communication sources (cable TV, network TV, social media, the Internet)?

On the positive side, with an abundance of information, we can become more informed on any subject, we can be helped with medical and health issues, we can get financial advice, we can easily stay in touch with family and friends, and much more.

On the negative side, we can become hardened in our views and build resentment toward those who don’t share our views, we can be misled in accepting as “fact” what we see and read, we can become radicalized in our views, and much more.

What, if anything, can be done to improve the positive aspects of today’s communication explosion and reduce the negative aspects?

Please join us for a stimulating discussion.