Gone are the days when most people relied on the same sources—newspapers or evening news on radio or TV—for world events. Back then, everyone accessed the same information, allowing for discussions that helped gauge others’ thoughts and feelings. While people had different opinions, there was a shared understanding of how things worked. ‘Agreeing to disagree’ once meant respecting differing viewpoints without hostility.
Today, there are thousands of information sources, accessible from anywhere, on any topic. This has led to diverse knowledge bases and fragmented our sense of unity within physical communities. Instead, like-minded individuals have migrated to online spaces where information isn’t always accurate. In this environment, it’s harder to discern what’s real, and what isn’t, validating only one’s perspectives.
Social media algorithms can trap you in an environment where only one viewpoint is shown, making it harder to accept opposing opinions. Over time, you may question your own beliefs and eventually accept the dominant narrative of your online bubble. When you interact with people in your physical community, their differing perspectives might lead you to question their credibility or view them as misinformed.
This disconnect isn’t limited to communities—it extends to workplaces, stores, and other social settings. Disagreements in the real world can feel strange and unfamiliar. We’ve become unaccustomed to reading body language or maintaining eye contact in debates. We struggle with face-to-face discussions and have lost the art of agreeing to disagree, reducing conversations to a matter of right versus wrong.
This division fosters the belief that disagreement means opposition, turning others into enemies. Seeking validation, we often retreat to online communities that echo our beliefs, reinforcing our sense of righteousness and making it easy to feel we’re always right.
Today, countless online communities validate our thoughts, making it hard to accept being wrong. We’ve regressed to a tribal mindset, where each group clings to its own beliefs and traditions. Yet, unlike ancient tribes, we struggle to remain open-minded. Historically, tribes would listen to others and adopt better practices, embracing change for the greater good.
We all have the right to our own opinions, beliefs, and preferences. But we must also be willing to accept those of others. Understanding different perspectives and staying open-minded is crucial, even when we don’t agree. We need to consider information that challenges our beliefs and be open to questioning our views. Personal growth depends on accepting the possibility of being wrong and embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable. Just as societies evolve, so too must our perspectives. We must restore a sense of physical community and foster open, honest conversations about the world around us. A better future begins with us as individuals.
Take care.