Parasitic Connections

In recent history, as the Internet and the New Digital Age has swept the world, what has become more significantly common is polarization and radicalization. Algorithms have controlled public opinion regarding social issues, enticing engagement and reactions.

Studies have found that consistently, when users express interest in certain topics, algorithms and feeds have a tendency to default to high engagement and divisive content. Increased exposure to extreme narratives and dehumanizing language can lead individuals to accept false truths, this created significant polarization, where individuals can live in a completely different reality.

More severe cases are certain terrorist organizations use hidden imagery and audio to circulate propaganda on apps like TikTok and Instagram.

Generations during the 20th and 21st centuries have consistently shown higher scores on standardized testing with their predecessors, but Generation Z is the first to show lower scores.

The most significant drops are in verbal reasoning, visual spacing, and mathematics, with neurologists pointing to more short form content being widely available.
As the internet is literally right in our pocket, what also has happen more often is people are outsourcing information to phones and other technology.

Experts warn that over-reliance on AI for planning, organizing, and problem solving may, While AI can boost workforce productivity, it may simultaneously weaken the native meta cognitive skills the ability to think about one’s own thinking that define human intelligence

“y u no social media” by Sean MacEntee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.