Chances are what you've heard is probably not true.
The connectivity that has been achieved through the internet and social media is a wonderful thing. I can't say enough about the blessing it is to be away from my family on a speaking trip or at a conference, and being able to see them and "put them to bed," say prayers together, even give goodnight kisses visibly through the phone. I think of what it has done for military families separated by time zones and oceans, shut-in elderly folks, and so many others. Our ability to communicate face-to-face, or through the written word instantaneously is what helped many of us survive those early months of COVID lockdowns.
But I'm not breaking any news to tell you that the instantaneous connectivity and communication also comes with its dangerous side. Any good thing can be abused it seems, and online social media is no exception. When it comes to the spread of rumors, gossip, unfounded speculation, fears, and hysteria, wildfire takes a backseat to the speed of the internet.
For instance, think of the number of people in the United States who fundamentally misunderstand what the Supreme Court ruled last Friday in Dobbs. Think how many actually believe that the Court outlawed abortion in America when it did nothing of the sort. In fact, so many railing against the "five men and one traitor woman" who stripped away women's rights, don't even realize that those five men and one woman specifically said, "it isn't our place to be involved in this decision at all."
The current cultural tempest raging over abortion should demonstrate to everyone that the federal government's involvement in an issue so deeply personal has done nothing to settle the debate over the last half century. It's only exacerbated the problem, led to increased violence and unrest, and brought about escalating tensions. The Court ruled Friday that their predecessors, the seven white dudes in 1973, were wrong to impose such polarizing and dangerous consequences on the country. Yet, log on to social media and you see uninformed posts like this:
Right…that's the point. The current Court just essentially said to this young woman, "Since you CAN'T vote for us, we shouldn't be determining the legality of an issue like abortion. You should. So, we are handing that power back over to you in your individual states."
Not that this young lady is completely to blame for her confusion. She's been misled by the hysteria that too often is promoted and prompted by people who do know better, but who have money to make:
That's just a remarkable take given that Tom is actually a smart guy who knows better. He knows this isn't unelected judges making decisions for the entire country. He knows this is a decision that overrules unelected judges who made a decision for the entire country without justification. But he's playing a part to foster division if for no other reason than it gets him "likes," attention, and invitations to pontificate for cash.
Ultimately everyone is responsible for what they choose to believe, and for the expectations they choose to place on getting all the facts before formulating an opinion. But unfortunately, that doesn't mean that a person's refusal to get the whole truth affects only them.
There are consequences to the spread of disinformation. And there is no shortage of it in this tense moment:
But in the pursuit of dollars and votes, all this sows seeds of fear that negatively affects the well-being of people's minds, bodies, and souls.
For instance, how many young women now actually believe that they could be prosecuted for having a miscarriage? How many of them worry that they might have to choose between going to prison or going to their grave if they need the removal of an ectopic pregnancy?
None of it is true. No law that has been written or is being written in even the most pro-life states even contains a whiff of such overreach. In fact, here's the Texas statute that specifically excludes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy from the legal definition of abortion:
More than a few cultural commentators are pointing to our staggering political polarization and outwardly questioning whether the United States of America can survive it.
I don't know the answer to that question, but I do believe our only hope may hinge on whether a majority of us are willing to collectively decide that we are done playing the hysteria game, and more importantly, that we are done being played by it.
