this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2023
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No it isn't. Global connectivity is just putting a spotlight on the the fact that most people are and always have been fucking stupid and/or dangerously undereducated.
I mean, it's a challenging hypothesis to prove. I might just be pessimistic.
I think there is some reason for valid concern though. The New York Times memoriam for Clifford Nass is an interesting and somewhat worrying read.
Maybe more practically, it's just hard to argue America wouldn't be in a better place right now if it wasn't for Fox News and Facebook/Cambridge Analytica.
We absolutely would be, but not because they make people stupid. All they do is exploit vulnerabilities in our shitty brains that have always been there.
I guess it makes people stupid all in the same way, while they used to be stupid all in their own unique ways. The morons have organized, synchronized, and become weaponised.
Somehow I feel like they're also dumber though - if everyone's an idiot in their own way at least they're original.
No, people aren't stupid. On average, people are of average intelligence.
When you say "people are stupid," you mean stupid compared to your expectations.
What you're really saying is "Other people aren't as smart as me."
And maybe you're right! In which case I'd like to bestow upon you the
First Annual Award for Excellence in Being Very Smart
May you continue to grace our internet with your wisdom.