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In today’s discourse, many issues are approached with a moral absolutist perspective. Positions are often viewed as either entirely right or wrong, with little room for nuanced understanding or compromise. This binary thinking leads to more extreme reactions and a diminished tolerance for opposing viewpoints.

“If you had facts and reason on your side, you could tolerate a conversation.”

The tendency to frame disagreements as crises or moral emergencies heightens the stakes of discussions. Issues like gender identity in sports or public health measures become not just political or social questions but moral imperatives. This ‘crisis mode’ escalates emotional responses, reduces the likelihood of constructive dialogue, and discourages open debate and the exchange of ideas - ultimately undermining the possibility of finding common ground or reaching compromises.

There is no denying the significant role that media, especially social media, plays in amplifying and reinforcing polarized views. Algorithms and content curation contribute to the formation of echo chambers, exposing individuals primarily to information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. This feedback loop exacerbates polarization, perpetuating the framework for debates in terms of moral battles.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Maud Maron reflects on the phenomenon of contemporary disagreements intensifying into a stark dichotomy of ‘good versus evil’, rather than being viewed as areas for legitimate debate - examining how this cultural and social trend (heavily fostered by the influence of social media) is creating a landscape where differing opinions are not just seen as alternative perspectives but as existential threats.

Watch our full length episode with Maud Maron: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-184 

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