JUST SAY NO

Connection is engraved in our DNA. From the moment we take our first breath we know what connection feels like. Growing up, we always surrounded ourselves with people that make us feel comfortable. Our friends are our friends because we like them.

Social networks made it easier than ever to connect with anyone we wanted around the clock. Never in the history of the universe has communicating with people been so simple and accessible, so you would think we would feel better about ourselves, our social lives and points of view?

Our online behavior is disconcerting as well. We tend to unconsciously pick information that matches our beliefs. We read articles and visit websites that agree with the opinions we hold. Algorithms used by search engines and social networks select information that suit user preferences. Which create one sided filter bubbles by blocking articles and opinions that the user would disagree with. Thereby reducing the number of sources and limiting diversity. The result is a customized narrow minded online-environment. Where everyone shares the same opinion.

Our online behavior is designed to make us feel more comfortable. What I find problematic is the isolation that that tendency creates. We are blocking out everything that might help us understand other points of view. We are limiting our chances of growth.

When Trump won and Brexit happened the entire world was shocked. It is because the vocal voters did not take into consideration the opposing points of view. We think the entirety of the world orbits around what we think is right, As Eli pariser says

Comfort zones are dangerous. Filter bubbles are dangerous.

People tend to always pride themselves on being cultured and knowledgeable about what is current and what is going on in the world. Yet we are afraid to even look beyond what we know. We are happy with what we are offered. I see that as pure laziness. We stop growing as individuals if we do not seek out the other side.

Filter bubbles extend from our daily lives into our online existence. It is a fact that we feel more comfortable with what we know. But that in its nature creates a sense of isolation and stagnancy. We never know, the basis of our opinions might change if we go beyond them. How can we develop as nations, and change the world for generations to come if we exist in our own universes? SOMETIMES WE JUST HAVE TO SAY NO TO WHAT WE KNOW.

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