#392 — Technology & Culture
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Deep Dive
Why is technology changing our culture?
Technology is changing our culture by mediating our experiences through devices like smartphones and computers, which devalue the embodied human experience and lead to a loss of deeply human skills such as emotional reading and patience. This shift is driven by the ease and efficiency of digital tools, but it comes with trade-offs that may not always improve our well-being.
What is the significance of handwriting in human culture?
Handwriting is significant because it involves embodied cognition, which enhances memory, recall, and learning habits. It also preserves a connection to human history, as handwritten documents carry personality and individuality. The loss of handwriting skills can lead to a decline in these cognitive and cultural aspects.
How does social media impact our sense of reality and politics?
Social media impacts our sense of reality by allowing individuals to curate their own versions of truth, leading to a lack of shared understanding. In politics, it amplifies anger, hostility, and conspiracy theories, creating a toxic environment where trust in institutions erodes. This fragmentation of reality has become a major challenge for political discourse.
Why is X (formerly Twitter) still relevant despite its flaws?
X is relevant because it surfaces breaking news and real-time events that mainstream media may overlook or avoid. Its community notes feature also provides a form of crowdsourced fact-checking, which can be more responsive than traditional fact-checking. However, the platform is chaotic and rewards extreme behavior, making it a double-edged sword.
What role should philanthropy play in rebuilding journalism?
Philanthropy should focus on reviving local news, which is crucial for covering local issues like corruption and community needs. It should also support independent, small-scale journalism that can provide diverse perspectives and train new generations of journalists. This approach can help rebuild trust in media and address the current lack of diversity in newsrooms.
Why is conspiracy thinking on the rise, especially among young men?
Conspiracy thinking is on the rise due to factors like isolation, loneliness, and a lack of purpose among young men. Social media provides a sense of belonging and purpose, even if it's based on false narratives. The erosion of trust in institutions and the cynical view of politics also contribute to the appeal of conspiracy theories.
What happened to Tucker Carlson's character and career?
Tucker Carlson's character and career shifted as he became more hyperbolic and conspiratorial to maintain his audience's attention. He transitioned from a journalist with potential to a polarizing figure who platforms extreme views, including anti-Semitic narratives. His duplicity, as revealed in private texts, further undermines his credibility.
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