> I wish people still lived by the idiom "Don't believe everything you read"
When did they ever?
> It's like social media stopped all forms of critical thinking in society.
Human society as a whole is irrational and does not engage in critical thinking. Small groups of highly focused individuals, or individuals themselves sometimes can, but it takes too much effort most of the time.
II remember as a youngster in the early 00's our teachers and librarians constantly reminded students, "Don't believe anything you read on the internet. Always check your references."
This was an inherent precursor when using the early internet, and is even more relevant today.
We trust our friends and family, our tribe. Something shared on Facebook by an uncle is more trusted than a maliciously researched article on the New York Times.
When did they ever?
> It's like social media stopped all forms of critical thinking in society.
Human society as a whole is irrational and does not engage in critical thinking. Small groups of highly focused individuals, or individuals themselves sometimes can, but it takes too much effort most of the time.