

How the Media Creates Delusional Tribes - Tim Urban
34 snips Sep 3, 2023
Tim Urban, a clever blogger behind 'Wait But Why' and author of 'What's Our Problem?', dives deep into the complexities of media-driven tribalism. He reveals how modern news prioritizes sensationalism over facts, fuelling societal divides. Urban discusses the psychological roots of tribalism, urging a nuanced understanding of our instincts. He also reflects on risk-taking for fulfillment, encouraging listeners to face fears to shape their futures. With intriguing insights and a minimalist style, Urban challenges conventional thinking on media and personal growth.
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Tribalism Switch
- Our brains have a "tribalism switch" that's easily triggered by today's media landscape.
- This "primitive mind" craves entertainment and conflict, creating a reality show with good guys and bad guys.
News as Entertainment
- The 24-hour news cycle and social media turned news into entertainment, prioritizing engagement over accuracy.
- This constant stream of negativity and conflict further fuels our tribalistic tendencies.
Consequences of Tribalism
- While media narratives can create division, resulting tribalism can lead to real-world consequences.
- Intense, delusional tribes, fueled by media narratives, generate fear and instability, leading to actual problems.