The Good Fight Jonathan Haidt on Why Public Discourse Has Become So Stupid
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Apr 30, 2022 
In this enlightening discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a renowned Professor of ethical leadership at NYU's Stern School of Business and co-author of influential works on moral psychology, explores the troubling decline of public discourse. He highlights the toxic influence of social media and the rise of 'structural stupidity' in American debate. Haidt advocates for systemic reforms to improve online interactions and empower moderates. He emphasizes personal responsibility and empathy as crucial elements for nurturing constructive dialogue in a fragmented society.
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Breakdown of Objectivity
- Institutions like universities and newspapers have formal structures promoting objectivity.
- However, these structures are failing due to external pressures, primarily from social media.
Impact of Social Media Features
- Social media became significantly more toxic around 2009 with the introduction of features like the "like" and retweet buttons.
- These features amplified virality and facilitated intimidation, changing online discourse.
Academic Self-Censorship
- Academics used to challenge university policies based on evidence.
- Now, they face accusations of bigotry, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship.
