Most people don't read newspapers or books anymore, they just look at the endlessly changing pictures and eye catching headlines that pop up on their "smart" phones. The problem is that you have no idea who posted these things or what their motivations are.
With Musk's money, Trump paid people (using AI programs) to put millions of posts directly onto peoples phones. They dominated the media with promises they can't keep and stories about the opposition with out any regard to reality or truth. And when that's all people see in front of them, (because they have stopped reading quality fact checked journalism) they start to believe it, as they aren't seeing anything else. Also if so many others appear to think it's true, it must be correct. Following the herd, means you don't need to think for yourself. And the alternative reality portrayed is attractive, because it places the responsibility for your low status life firmly on others, such as the political opposition, immigrants or foreigners. There is no need to work hard, getting training or self improve if the blame is with others that are holding you back.
Through out my life, what I read I believed. Newspapers had a brand that editors protected by not printing low quality articles. The Television did likewise and books only got into print if the authors where scholars and the manuscripts checked for errors.
Today, social media permits anyone to say anything and the world can read it, and because most people grew up trusting what they read, take it on face value, even if it is posted just to get attention, clicks and upvotes. We are in a transition period where it is now the readers responsibility to fact check the material we read, as no one is doing it for us. This is inefficient, but how it is. It a pain if you have to read an economics text book to find out the effects of raising tariffs on imports.
Whilst I take full advantage of this social media freedom, posting on this blog and quora, I write trying to express everything I have learned clearly and sincerely. I keep re reading posts, checking if it is outdated or wrong or just poor writing that is available from far superior writers elsewhere. I have, to the best of my ability and knowledge, attempted to write quality material that I believe to be correct and worthwhile. I don't want to waste peoples valuable time.
However you will need to check this!!!
