Digital Havoc: Lies, Hate, and Unseen Scars
The Double-Edged Sword: How Technology Spreads Misinformation and Online Toxicity The internet has revolutionized communication, connecting billions globally and democratizing access to information. But this digital utopia comes with a dark side – the rampant spread of misinformation and online toxicity. Technology, ironically, fuels both these phenomena, creating an echo chamber effect that can be incredibly damaging to individuals and society as a whole. Misinformation thrives in the fertile ground of social media algorithms. Designed to keep users engaged, these algorithms prioritize content that elicits strong emotional responses – often fear, anger, or outrage. This means sensationalized, clickbait-y headlines and emotionally charged posts, even if factually inaccurate, are more likely to be shared and consumed. Furthermore, the sheer volume of...