Dumbing down of society has benefited the ruling and wealthy classes to the point that, more likely than not, it’s been done on purpose. Discussing with any seriousness the lowering of average individual’s IQ is quickly marginalized as a conspiracy theory. Yet paradoxically, it’s the same « Joe Average » in society who’s sounding the alarm on a situation that’s becoming self-evident even to the intelligence challenged. This is akin to an obese person looking at themselves in the mirror and acknowledging that they have a weight problem.

The internet has undeniably changed the way humans consume information, share ideas, and engage with one another. While it has led to tremendous advancements in various fields, it has also had an effect: the dumbing down of the general population. This phenomenon leaves many people vulnerable to manipulation by governments and corporations. Whom appear to have purposely orchestrated this process for greater control over society, thereby securing their interests.

There’s no shortage of political and financial organizations where the self-titled « elites» of society interface with one another. Despite globalization policies, a conspiracy for control of the entire world still seems improbable. More easy to accept is how the late George Carlin put it, « There are no conspiracies when there are convergent interests. » Or, people will inevitably support and cooperate with others whose actions / policies fit with their own agendas. – It’s obligatory to explore the reasons for the dumbing down of society, the role the Internet plays and the benefits which governments and large corporations gain from it.

Internet and the Dumbing Down of Society

Regardless of its quality, the internet has made information more accessible. However, this saturation of information has led to a decline in critical thinking and the ability to discern credible sources. People are increasingly relying on headlines, tweets, and soundbites to inform their opinions, rather than engaging with in-depth, well-researched content (Brock, 2020). This superficial engagement with information has resulted in a dumbed-down society, where people are easily swayed by sensationalism and emotional appeals.

Social media platforms, in particular, have contributed to this phenomenon. Ignoring for a moment the prevalence of bots, marketers, lobbyists and other goal oriented people and organizations. The majority of people using social media rarely contribute to any conversations and only haphazardly share links. Among private citizens, it’s the hated troll who is the instigator of much of the conversations. The different sites were quick to take notice and structured their algorithms to favor arguments and amplify sentiments of being offended.

The algorithms were also subsequently structured that drive these platforms designed to show users content that aligns with their interests and beliefs, creating echo chambers that reinforce pre-existing biases and further amplified hostilities, because anyone questioning perceived dogma was attacked. (Sunstein, 2009). This in turn shuts down rational dialogue and debate. Hampering the development of critical thinking skills and stifling intellectual growth.

The Role of Governments and Corporations

Governments and large corporations have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and retaining control over the population. A dumbed-down population is easier to manipulate and control, as they are more susceptible to propaganda and fear-mongering (Huxley, 1932). By keeping people misinformed and disengaged from meaningful discourse, governments and corporations can continue to pursue their agendas without significant opposition. In some cases, governments have even resorted to censoring information or promoting disinformation to further their goals. For example, during the Cold War, the United States government engaged in a campaign of misinformation and censorship to discredit and silence voices that were critical of its policies (Chomsky & Herman, 1988).

A dumbed-down society offers several advantages to governments and large corporations. Firstly, it allows them to maintain control over the population by keeping people misinformed and compliant. A population that lacks critical thinking skills is less likely to question authority or challenge the status quo (Orwell, 1949). Secondly, it enables them to manipulate public opinion and shape it in their favor. By controlling the flow of information and promoting certain narratives, they can sway public opinion to support their policies or products. One example of how large corporations spread misleading information to protect their interests was evidenced by the tobacco industry’s efforts to deny the health risks of smoking (Glantz & Slade, 1990).

The Benefits of a Dumbed-Down Society

Moreover, a dumbed-down society is more likely to consume goods and services without considering the long-term consequences or hidden costs. For corporations, this translates into increased sales and profits, as people become more focused on short-term gratification and less concerned with the broader implications of their actions (Schor, 2007).

Undeniably, the internet has contributed to the dumbing down of society, making people more susceptible to manipulation by governments and corporations. This process has been facilitated by the design of social media platforms, which encourage superficial engagement with information and create echo chambers that reinforce pre-existing biases.

Furthermore, as the Internet has moved from text to video, the average user doesn’t read but rather passively listens or browses content. And for all the diehard Jordan Peterson fans, who feel an inflated sense of ego brought about by listening to the man of big words, there are a thousand Internet surfers who live by the acronym TLDR (too long ; didn’t read). This dumbing down of society is a deliberate and strategic process that benefits governments and large corporations. By understanding the role of the internet in this process and the motivations behind it, we can take steps to mitigate its effects and hopefully promote a more informed, critically thinking population.

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References

Brock, T. (2020). The benefits and dangers of internet use. In T. Brock & M. Bar-Ilan, The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Digital Humanities (pp. 1-12). Routledge.

Chomsky, N., & Herman, E. (1988). Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media. Pantheon Books.

Glantz, S. A., & Slade, J. (1990). The Cigarette Papers. University of California Press.

Huxley, A. (1932). Brave New World. Chatto & Windus.

Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. Secker & Warburg.

Schor, J. B. (2007). Consumerism and its discontents. In R. W. Kemp & J. A. Parente, The Human Development Handbook (pp. 21-38). Palgrave Macmillan.

Sunstein, C. R. (2009). Republic.com 2.0. Princeton University Press.

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Giving up truth and beauty is the price for human happiness. – Mustapha Mond, World Controller

In the war for humanity’s soul, human beings must first be made to suffer. In our struggle against the ever increasing social complexities, we accept whatever numbing or simplifying crumb is dolled from the tables of those who command. Our senses dulled, we bathe ourselves in artificial lights, so that we stop seeing the magnificence of the star filled night sky. And we stare at digital screens, blinding ourselves to the symphony of colors from the setting sun, which used to sing us to sleep. Without a difference between day and night, we toil on, deprived of sleep. The only justification for this sacrifice of beauty is the lie we tell ourselves, that we’re building a better tomorrow. Ugliness is synonymous with progress, but we choose to believe somehow technology will bring about a paradisaical life, free from pain.

When society turns its back on the elegant awe of creation, then hideousness enters our minds and destroys our yearning for truth. The truth often can hurt, whereas beauty soothes; yet simultaneously beauty is truth and truth is beauty. It can be said therefore, that beauty and truth are born from the same womb. Fraternal twins, the one nourishes the soul and the other liberates. Once beauty and truth are eliminated from humanity’s mind, then all that rests is depression and desperation. Sadly, this is where the power hungry play their manipulative mind games.

In Aldous Huxley’s novel, “Brave New World,” Mustapha Mond can be considered a paradoxical character. On one hand he’s an independent thinking scientist, who reads the bible and Shakespeare. On the other hand, he censors ideas and opinions. because humanity is controlled with dopamine infused happiness and the stability of a predictable collective. Individual expression and attempts at mental copulation with others are treated as cancerous, to be eradicated from society. Freedom of speech is a quest to for truth. Something which to all totalitarian societies, fictional or real; is an enemy that must be killed.

Beware the promise of happiness

“I am not proud, but I am happy; and happiness blinds, I think, more than pride.” – Alexandre Dumas

None of the above is controversial or revelatory. It can be argued that it’s philosophical or maybe poetic. Regardless, it’s the non-refutable pathway towards peace. Genuine progress is living for those moments of beauty and truth. Instead we make sacrifices to attain the artificial constructs or man-made creations that we convince ourselves we need. Humanity is the only species where individuals define themselves by material wealth and paper certificates, they won from expensive institutions. You’re a social elite if you own a private jet or have a PHD from a prestigious university. Sadly, you can own a fleet of jets and have multiple accolades, but still be a feckless power hungry asshole, who’s only real talent is to destroy hope while offering false promises of a Utopian tomorrow.

Hopefully in 2023 more people will unplug their computerized gadgets and ignore the background noise of the scheming politicians and their media allies. Atheist or religious, it’s time for our species to sit quietly and let the wonderment of creation’s beauty heal our souls. We need priorities focused on positive human experience, not mass accumulations. Let truth replace our drug dependencies and other addictions. Ignore the evil liars, con artists and megalomaniacs. Accept the fact, that children’s play is more melodious than Hip Hop’s top stars. And that a kindness shown to a homeless stray (animal or human) has done more to make the world a better place, than every politician and diplomat combined.

You can’t build a utopia, but you can make your corner of the world, just a little bit nicer. Perspective is a personal decision. You can chose to marvel at a field of wildflowers in bloom, the twinkling brightness of fresh fallen snow, or the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Or, you can let yourself be hypnotized by the engine drone and passing street lights on your commute to work, try to find something to make you laugh or smile watching stupid memes or just get more miserable listening to the rantings of the elites. Will you chose beauty and truth or ugliness and despair ? – Both your life and humanity’s path are in your hands…

Happy Holidays and prayers that 2023 be the year we walk away from the hell we’re creating.

Hamilton Steele

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