Quote:
Originally Posted by CTinline-six
There is no doubt that today's society is much different. I'm 27, and still remember the days before internet and cell phones quite well.
I don't think all is lost, and I'll tell you why. Social media, and the media in general allows information to spread instantly. More information is available at your finger tips than ever before, so we are exposed to it constantly. 90% or more of the media is negative, because negativity is interesting and is what sells.
Think about the days before internet/social media. The only real negative media we were exposed to was the evening news, radio, and news papers. Now the negativity haunts you 24/7. It's on all social media outlets, the news plays 24 hours a day with the "latest" dumb shit you don't need to hear, and some people even get instant notifications on their phones when something happens.
If you tune a lot of this out, things get much better. Focus more on the people who are around you and who you come in contact with directly. Yeah, there will always be the asshole in traffic or the idiot co-worker, but I find that most people deep down aren't that bad. Some might be a little clueless even though their intentions are good. With the constant negativity we are exposed to it is easy to get down, I'm not immune from it either. Usually when I start expecting the worst from society someone will surprise me and I have faith in humanity again.
I know dumb people from all generations, so I wouldn't say the latest generation is anything different. I think it's just that the smart ones are out getting shit done while all the dumb useless people troll Facebook and social media all day posting their empty thoughts.
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Great points! This is exactly why I've banned myself from the Politics/Religion sub-forum here. It brings out the absolute worst in people, myself included. It's not an overstatement to say that I feel noticeably happier and friendlier towards others and about life in general since abandoning that sub-forum. I have no Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram. it's glorious. I may be out of touch with the news, fads, and stupid videos but I'm sure a heck of a lot happier for it.
You're totally right that deep down, most folks are decent people, especially in person. I've encountered forum members here who are pleasant, fun people to engage with but then begin hurling insults and foaming at the mouth in the Politics sub-forum. Crazy how fast emotions ratchet up in that environment. Fuses are short and everyone is on guard with their fists up.