Recent studies suggest that the ultimate causes for people being willing to spread disinformation and act irresponsibly derive from underlying insecurities and psychological forces. Periods of radical change and uncertainty always place greater stress upon individuals. Yet, the current era of global crises and cultural upheaval may be the epitome of extreme conditions that threaten the basic sense of identity for many people.

 

Growing levels of cultural insecurity can trigger many people to use their “social identity” as the primary source for feelings of belonging, but also as the basis for a false sense of security and pretenses of superiority. This felt need for finding in-group security creates a willingness to accept reassuring information even when it can easily be proven to be false.

 

This process, which some call “outsourcing identity,” helps explain how some people and some groups can completely change character, become suddenly radicalized, and no longer be willing to listen to reason. Once a division into Us vs Them can be established, the entire world can be framed as a place of conflict and danger that pits our righteous in-group against outsiders who can also be blamed for all our troubles.

 

Because the genuine crises in the world must be faced, and despite the strange practice of outsourcing identity, what becomes most important is an awakening of the deeper sense of self in those who would still search for truth and for meaningful solutions.

 

When the waves of disinformation and misinformation, and the high tide of big lies and false beliefs have arrived, the search for truth becomes more important. And the meaning we are each called to search for begins with the living truth that can be found in the inner resources and sense of deeper self already present and waiting to be found in the heart and soul of each person.

 

Thank you for listening to and supporting this podcast.  You can hear Michael Meade live by joining his new online workshop “Initiations of Self and Soul” on Saturday, June 12. Register and learn more at mosaicvoices.org/events.

 

You can save 30% on this workshop, receive additional podcast episodes and further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium.  Learn more and become a member at patreon.com/livingmyth.

 

As always, you can also support this podcast by leaving a review on iTunes and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you continued well-being and deep community connection during this period of great uncertainty and transformation.