Our Fractured Country

The polarizing effects of social media

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What is more surprising — the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, or that it took so long to happen? We can’t continue to point fingers and hope there will be no consequences. Our language, magnified and sensationalized online, is fostering an atmosphere that permits — even encourages — violence, and it will echo long after the gunfire at a Pennsylvania political rally.

This New York Times headline, “An Assassination Attempt That Seems Likely to Tear America Further Apart,” got me thinking about how to keep that from happening. As someone who dearly loves this country, I would ask that we all make every effort to be our better selves in the days ahead. That begins with laying off social media. 

While we cannot change the events of the past 24 hours, we can control our actions going forward. Before political discourse spins completely out of control, I would ask all my fellow citizens to think before you type. We are now officially playing with fire — a fire that can quickly get out of control.  

Technology designed to make us smarter, quicker, and better informed is bringing out our worst instincts. Society is diminished because of these social media platforms and the mega-billionaires who own them. They amplify one of the worst human impulses: to speak (or type) before thinking. It is so easy to do.

In the coming days I ask that we all check ourselves. I have seen posts since the assassination attempt written by supporters of both candidates that are designed only to rile and gain more followers. Nothing seems to be out of bounds or off-limits. The more inflammatory, the better. No doubt many of you have seen these posts. I won’t repeat them here.  

The words of one person seem harmless enough, but with algorithms and amplifications, they can be seen in seconds, and believed by millions. 

This week, Republicans will have the microphone and an enormous opportunity to change the dialogue. Their nominating convention begins tomorrow in Milwaukee. If the past is prologue, I am not holding my breath. I’d be thrilled to be proven wrong. Perhaps their nominee, who came within an inch or two of losing his life to an assassin’s bullet, will have an epiphany, seek the high road, and curb the rage and recrimination.  

I have been encouraged by some officials on both sides who are at least making an effort. House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Obviously, we can’t go on like this as a society. We’ve got to turn the temperature down in this country.” A nice thought, but it’s just one day. We have months before the election, plenty of time to air our differences — without violence. 

In the short term, I’m asking everyone to please think before you act. Reasoned, well-considered opinion and criticism are always welcomed. Hate is not. We need to take a deep breath and remind ourselves of what’s truly important: our families and our country. Not on this list is further lining the pockets of those who encourage inflammatory speech.

This campaign, our world, the upcoming election, have already been inextricably altered because of this cowardly act. Please, let’s not make it worse. Think before you hit send. 

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Stay Steady,

Dan