Imagine life with no social media or a smart phone... You might form your own opinions and ideas. !!!?

Or have your opinions only influenced by your local environment , which I think can be much worse depending on where you’re from. I think growing up online gave me exposure to so many subjects/ideas/philosophies I wouldn’t have ever come across organically. I’m thankful for those influences.

In the past, this would translate to, "imagine life with no newspapers or books".

Yes, it is possible to form opinions devoid of any actual data from the outside world.

It has always been the case that " news media", whether in print or electronic form, reflect the perspective of the underlying news organization.

Authors of books have been liberal or conservative, religious or unreligious, this or that, for as long as information was printed.

"Yellow Journalism" existed in print form long before there was cable television.

The difference , I think, is that people read the paper in the evening and then put it down. Today, people bury themselves in their electronic echo chambers which are designed to stoke the flames of anger perpetually.

I don't have to imagine it because I'm old enough to remember it.

Yeah, like the '80s. There were certainly no cult-like groups back then.

Reduced information overload: Social media often bombards us with an overwhelming amount of information, which can sometimes be misleading or superficial. Without it, individuals might have more control over the information they consume and be able to focus on more reliable sources or explore different avenues for learning and personal growth.

I've lived more than half of my life before social media and smart phones were invented. No big deal!

For centuries there have been plenty of resources for communication, information, entertainment, etc. I still form my own opinions and ideas because I have experience in doing so.

Been there before

I was brought up with no social media or smart phone

I remember that the TV and VCR gave me more stuff than I could watch, and the talk radio had more real voices than this web thing! Up to around 1994.

I have and I do. The fact others have thought the same things doesn't diminish my integrity

Same, still the background and friends for your opinions

I remember the days before the internet. Much simpler times.

I don’t have to imagine

I am very well aware of this experience.

Ah, the 80's and 90's. Good times.

Yeah, but they would only be opinions and ideas on what you know in your little slice of life.
Its not about the medium, (or not) its about how you choose to use it.🤷‍♀️

Some people love gossip and drama and with or without social media, will find it.
Those who wanna argue will always find somwthing to argue about.

The internet hasnt changed how we are, its just highlighted it.

The horror!

Maybe even learn a skill 🤯

True, but the only folks who would hear them would be those who already know what I think. 🤨

You mean my life from 1967 - 2001? How the frig did I ever survive?

People are still adopting ludicrous ideas from network and cable news. I may never understand it.

Das ist dumm. Warum sollte ich etwas Dummes tun?