How social media has damaged our ability to listen to others’ political opinions

To me, the way Americans discuss politics is somewhat bitter. In person, democrats and republicans usually get along well: in the classroom, at sporting events and social gatherings, etc., and probably even some politicians (behind closed doors obviously). 

And yet, politics discussed on social media appear to be outrageously polarized. One is either on the left side of things or the right. All ideas in between seem to be abolished. However, something else has also been abolished; a great lost art, the art of conversation.

To me, a majority of Americans are losing their common sense. We have taken context and dialect away from words and expressions. What we say may not account for what we mean, and we end up ignoring a conversation that must be held. We’ve now reached a point where we must realize that this world is filled with millions of people and we were not created to think or feel the same. 

Politics discussed on social media appear to be outrageously polarized.

With this said, changes need to be made. Americans need to get more involved in local politics and become close with their communities. Both sides of the coin must be taken seriously, and I am not referencing phony politicians. But who is phony to me may not be phony to you, and that is why we must talk, to understand WHY. Why we think as we do. 

I believe logic will always trump bias. Logic cannot be fabricated. But even then, not all logical things feel right. Suppose you have a crush on someone and you are nervous to talk to them. Your gut tells you to approach them while your mind begins to convince you otherwise. My point is, logic may trump bias, but it can also be used to confuse us and push agendas. Americans need to learn to communicate with one another using not only emotion but ethical understanding and logic as well.