Exploitation of Loneliness and Fear in a Polarized Society

In a polarized society, lonely individuals are drawn into digital tribes for a sense of belonging, despite the toxic environment. The prevalence of widespread loneliness and fear is being exploited by a vast industry apparatus consisting of politics, journalism, and entertainment. This exploitation has been heightened by the rise of TV and entertainment culture, as warned by Neil Postman in 'Amusing Ourselves to Death.' Politicians, journalists, and tech companies profit from harnessing votes and clicks from the public's loneliness and fear. While acknowledging the need for good people in power, it's evident that powerful individuals benefit from stoking hate and fear to drive people apart. This exploitation is not new, as tribalism has been a human condition for some time. Despite this, there is a call to emulate Jesus of Nazareth, who sacrificed to turn enemies into family and to create a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-class family of God based on allegiance to Jesus as Lord.