Our World of Mindless Likers and Followers
And the dangers of online echo chambers
I regret not embracing social media sooner.
My dad pointed out the many advantages and advised me to use social media to increase my impact as a researcher.
Although I saw his point, I thought it was a distraction and would keep me from focusing on deep and complex thoughts without any disturbances.
I only slowly started sharing stories and events on social media in 2015 and became a more regular user in 2017. And, yes, my father was right. It’s a great way to instantly share research, stories, and ideas, receive feedback, or start a dialogue.
I will not burden you with a detailed description of the benefits I received from using social media. There’s plenty of information available on how social media can be helpful.
But something else worries me more and more. And it isn’t the distractions, the addiction, or our lives in front of a screen.
What if social media hinders our willingness to accept and contemplate the unknown and unexplained? If so, it would impede progress instead of fostering advancement.
I had a fascinating discussion with a colleague and friend about this question.
