Strength in Reflection
“I’m under the impression that tolerance will go so far that wise people will be denied to think, as not to hurt the feelings of others.” — Noam Chomsky
I’m deeply concerned with what’s happening in our world. Over recent months, I’ve engaged with people online who struggle to make sense of life. Almost without fail, media—especially social media—has massively influenced their thinking. This is scary.
How many times have you heard: “Have you heard…” or “Did you hear what XYZ said…” or “Look at this video”? My first response: What’s the source? The scary part? Often it’s TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X. We even doubt established news stations like CBS, CNN, BBC, because they’re influenced by big business and politics.
The Power Problem
Massive power and influence lie in the hands of famous individuals, businesses, and politicians. I researched who’s most popular on social media: the Kardashians, Jenners, some athletes, Elon Musk, and people I’ve never heard of. My question: Why would anyone follow some of these people? What’s their message? Who’s their audience? What are we missing?
Yet hundreds of millions tune in regularly. How sad is that?
This has never happened before in history. We’re the first to experience the internet’s power. We haven’t figured out if it’s good or bad. We’re navigating unexplored territory with little idea where we’re headed, especially since AI emerged.
The Dark Side
We need to be concerned, responsible, and careful about who we allow into our space. There’s the good, the bad, the ugly, and a dark side we don’t want to explore. People prey on children, plot wickedness, and the internet enables them. Social media companies pay billions in fines but keep feeding humanity’s appetite for sensationalism.
It’s gone beyond communication—it’s about control, influence, and power. Governments are concerned but do little to stop the freight train.
My concern isn’t for you—I doubt many reading have social media addictions. My concern is millions of young people addicted without knowing it. What do we do? Shrug our shoulders or choose action? Australia’s government took radical decisions protecting those under 16. Hopefully more governments follow.
The Battle for Our Minds
Between big media and social media, we’re being taught, groomed, manipulated, coerced to change how we think. This isn’t conspiracy theory—it’s real. There’s a war. All media is big business, and we have targets on our backs. The goal: influence us and our children until we’re controlled. Get us addicted. Once addicted, we’re easy to control.
The strategy: influence us until we either behave against our values or adopt values not linked to principles. Once our values are compromised, we have no foundation. Why are anxiety, depression, and opioid addiction out of control? Big Pharma told doctors opioids weren’t addictive. Now 50,000 Americans die yearly from opioid addiction.
Fighting Back
We must fight back. We must find ourselves. Revisit what we believe and don’t believe. Yes, we need tolerance—but don’t expect me to compromise my principles and values for tolerance’s sake.
Chomsky’s quote is profound. Media doesn’t want wise people to think or have opinions. Yet we need the Chomskys, Petersons, Michelle Obamas—wise people rising up and speaking up.
We face millions of voices from every direction. Our only filter: the values and principles we build our being upon. It’s a battle for our souls. We shouldn’t subordinate who we truly are and what we truly believe.
Nelson Mandela often quoted “Invictus,” inspiring him even while imprisoned. The last two lines are profound:
“I am the master of my fate,I am the captain of my soul”
Ironic that Mandela drew strength from these words while locked up. Maybe not ironic at all. The fundamental principle: regardless of circumstances, you are the master of your fate, the captain of your soul.
You decide.