With the growing influence of social media and the anonymity that comes with it, Blaze TV host Aaron McIntyre has started to question if our society has become too disconnected from our humanity.
Dr. Ian McGilchrist, the author of The Master and His Emissary, offers some insights.
“Increasingly, our political landscape is dominated by a disembodied understanding that we receive through social media, ads, and headlines,” McIntyre remarks. “People think they understand more about the world than ever before.” Yet, he insists, “they don’t even know their neighbors or the political issues they face. Everything feels utterly disconnected now. In my view, we’re losing our sense of humanity in political discussions, which makes it tough to perceive others as actual human beings or comprehend the society around us.”
McIntyre argues that this disconnection could lead to a “collapse of the political system,” potentially nudging us toward a model more akin to city-states.
“Do you believe these large super-states can continue to grow, relying on the idea of meaningful participation from their populations?” McIntyre questions McGilchrist. “Or will they have to scale back and interact more on a local level?”
“We need to ensure that happens for our survival,” McGilchrist responds.
He emphasizes the importance of “rediscovering the virtues of intermediate sizes,” suggesting that this might parallel “the collapse of civilization.” However, he believes it could lead to a rejuvenated way of life—one where our demands on the planet are more reasonable, allowing us to coexist closely with our communities.
“That scenario would look vastly different from our current experience of alienation,” he notes.
Curious about Aaron McIntyre’s work?
For more of McIntyre’s cultural and political perspectives, explore BlazeTV, a prominent multi-platform network for voices advocating for America, the Constitution, and the American Dream.
