For starters I want to make VERY clear that I appreciate any and ALL factual statements on Facebook and other sites. They provide a means of communication that, when used wisely and honestly, open doors that have long been closed.
And I appreciate opinions, when clearly stated as such.
BUT social media can be such a rabbit hole, no matter our political leanings or position.
Our blood pressure rises when we read a post in opposition to our way of thinking——-whether it is supported by facts or not.
On the other hand , when we see a post that supports our position, we smile and know it’s a good day———whether it’s supported by facts or not.
I just read back-to-back , oppositional political positions on Facebook from two ” friends “. One is ultra-conservative and the other ultra-liberal , both very nice people. Being a moderate independent thinker and preferring honesty , I found it interesting that neither recognized (or cared ) that the positions were simply opinions, lacking any kind of proof or validity……and both were re-posted from some Tom, Dick, or Harry with no credentials noted.
They re-posted simply because it was what they wanted to believe , true or not !
Although there are many legitimate factual statements regarding both parties’ agendas, the unsupported opinions seem to dominate. It is frightening to me that we are so gullible—–and so vulnerable.
I published an earlier blog, BUILD AN ARK , advocating that our public schools start teaching our students how to distinguish fact from opinion. This can begin as early as kindergarten and become more intense and profound through the years. I would like to see our schools get ahead of the curve on this conundrum.
Interestingly, since then, I have read that Finland is already doing that very thing : teaching the art of distinguishing fact from opinion as part of its curriculum.
My two referenced ” friends ” had no idea ( or didn’t care ) that the rabbit hole they fell into was not based on anything that even smacked of validity. No link to check, no statistics given, no credible references.
And they are two of many——-too many !
I don’t know about you , but I find the rabbit hole scary………………
(PLEASE SHARE TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE DANGERS OF FICTION VS. FACT ).
From this preacher’s perspective, it may be time for the pulpits to start mentioning how God feels about gossip!! (Eg, Matt 5:37; John 8:32; Eph 5:25, 29; 1 Tim 5:19). How much better if we all took effort to measure our words so they build up others, seeking to understand as much as to be understood. May a thirst for facts (to the degree we can obtain them) and a commitment to refrain from passing along a posting without some checking pull us back from the rabbit hole.
Amen !!!! If those of you who are in positions to not only come in contact with people , but influence them , don’t play a leading role, then who will ?
Preachers, educators, local leaders, healthcare professionals, and on and on all have the status to make a difference. I truly am concerned about lies upon lies. And it bothers me greatly that so many people either don’t know, or worse, don’t care. Thanks for adding to my blog.
I’m finding it all scary and not enough time to get to fact check everything. I’m a bit of a political junkie and try to keep that which is true but…. Am glad I was familiar with Project 2025 in advance.
Makes sense to me. You’ve been a ” thinker ” as long as I’ve known you, so I doubt that you ever even FIND a rabbit hole ! Thanks…
Well said!
Thank you , my favorite oldest grandchild……………
I always look up whatever seems off to me and every time there is a reason it seems off. So many times it’s just common sense. I also hope that others will always question things and not just take the leaders word for it. They too can get things twisted intentionally and unintentionally. I used to trust everyone. I thought that was a good trait until I realized I was just naive. Now I trust very few. I am reminded the Bible says in several verses to not trust in man, and in Psalm 118:8 it says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
Well said. If only all of us would take the time to weigh others’ thoughts, and our own, disregarding rumors, lies, and half-lies. It isn’t easy, but it’s well worth it to try to get to the truth. We are so very gullible ! Thanks for your honest response.