Researchers at New York University have concluded that social media is not an accurate reflection of society, but more like a funhouse mirror distorted by a small but vocal minority of extreme outliers. It’s a finding that has special resonance this election season. John Yang speaks with psychology professor Jay Van Bavel, one of the authors of the paper that reported the research, to learn more.

  • Alteon@lemmy.world
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    17 hours ago

    My experience with ML Socialists has been nothing but hostile. Anytime I’ve had questions or tried to have a discussion with a socialist about socialism, the response has been nothing but pure acid from them. Change is slow, and we’re slowly becoming more liberal as a people. They view socialized democracy as cowtowing to imperialism, and they seem to advocate for violent revolution to enact they’re goals. I literally can’t support that.

    I would love for the US to become more socialized, for the workers to be more empowered, for people to live with better healthcare, less stress, and better safety nets…but as a social democrat, I’m the fucking enemy to them. As they described me, I’m imperialist scum.

    I considered myself pretty far left…but those people? They fucking scare me…

    … But if it’s more convenient for you to believe that I’m a paid government shill, then so be it.

    • Randomgal@lemmy.ca
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      24 minutes ago

      But who is “they”? Who are these “socialists”? That’s my point. How is blanket characterizing a whole group based on your experiences with a few people any different from what “the other guys” do?

      To me it’s irony at its finest. But I’m sure “they”, are worse than you.