As a woman with mild autism, I experience the world through intense pattern recognition and sensitivity to social dynamics. Lately, I’ve noticed society, amplified by social media, slipping into patterns of cruelty and division that echo troubling historical moments. The way people treat each other feels like a step backward, and here’s why.
Social media platforms, like those buzzing on X, have turned into arenas of hostility. My autistic lens craves understanding, but instead, I see people weaponizing words, piling on with insults, or canceling others over minor missteps. It’s reminiscent of historical witch hunts or public shamings, like the 17th-century pillories, but now it’s digital and relentless. Recent web data shows 70% of users report seeing online harassment regularly, yet the cycle persists. Algorithms reward outrage, amplifying voices that divide rather than unite, much like divisive rhetoric fueled tensions in past eras.
Offline, the trend continues. My sensitivity to social cues picks up on growing intolerance—people are quick to judge, label, or dismiss. Whether it’s political tribalism, cultural clashes, or scapegoating vulnerable groups, it feels like the fear-driven “us vs. them” mentality of times like the Red Scares or pre-war xenophobia. On X, posts often highlight how fast people jump to vilify rather than empathize, shutting down chances for real dialogue. This isn’t progress; it’s a return to when division trumped compassion.
Even casual interactions feel colder. My need for genuine connection makes me notice how people prioritize clout or status over kindness. Social media’s obsession with likes and followers mirrors historical obsessions with social hierarchies, where worth was tied to power, not character. It’s like we’re reliving the exclusivity of old elites, just in a digital skin.
For someone with autism, this cruelty overload is exhausting, like navigating a sensory storm. History shows humanity can do better—moments of unity, like post-war rebuilding, prove it. Social media could foster empathy if we used it to listen, not attack. Let’s break this cycle before it pulls us further back.
#AutismPerspective #Society #SocialMedia #OnlineHarassment #Division #Empathy #Kindness #SocialHierarchy #Hope #Change
Deep Thinking 