As a child of the internet who grew up on the playground of digital chat, I've watched the evolution of discussion devolve from the straightforward sharing of ideas and opinions into the monstrosity of what I call "position". I no longer have to have a rational thought process with well thought out points. Instead, I simply have to position myself the right way or my attacker in the wrong way. I can claim moral or righteous position and suddenly it doesn't matter if my idea or opinion is full of sh*t. Just as I can paint anyone else in the light of social injustice, or as unethical, or as filled with hate. Instead of standing on an idea, all I have to do is stand on top of someone else.

And it just gets worse and worse with each passing day. People can't discuss politics, religion, or just about anything with an open mind any more. Nor are they willing to learn more information and veer from a close held thought or opinion. They simply position anyone or anything contrary to what they hold true as part of the bigger "they" and use that as an excuse to ignore better or other information. It's why people can't grow, change, or accept those who can.

I wish I could wrap this up with a solution. I could probably get rich off it if I had one. I used to be a acolyte of the internet and social media. But now I am often a recluse from both. I don't like the ugliness that too many people hide in to relate to one another online. They are all too often abusive and/or defensive from the very first words they type. And "position" is often the soup du jour when they clash.

I'm just venting. Thx for reading this if you did. I'd love your thoughts on it as well.

firstly I love your AKA name today "Lone Dangler"-should ya change it and I end up looking weird!

We kinda have this silent rule here in our country that we do not discuss politics or religion -mostly due to the arguments and drama and fighting that these topics bring out in the best of friends family and neighbours. There is always "That one" in the crowd who will turn those types of discussions to meet their firm beliefs....which is so wrong anywhoo I did read it and yeah- can relate Rod. Life is actuallly simple-it's the people that make it so complex -to even begin voicing some of those subject..aint that sad!

It's really sad. It's good for people to be firm in their beliefs, but it's even better for them to listen, have an open mind, and hear another perspective. No matter how firm I am in (most) of my beliefs, I am always willing to listen to the other side of the argument. I'm so used to arguments / discussions being so polarized. Not just in politics and religion, but other topics too like you mentioned. Hoping one day that things can be different!

Life is hard but all you can do is choose to be pos or neg.I hope you feel better!