Don't let the internet form and mold you.

I am always chuffed when so many readers like my content that primarily redirects them to YouTube content because I figured that everyone who shares the same interests would have already received the same video suggestions, but apparently not.

I would even dare to say that every living internet user probably has their own unique selection of recommendations all based on their personal online activity, likes, comments,  purchases, age, gendor, nationality, geographical location etc.

So I could actually gain a great following just by sharing my exclusive selection of results.

In many cases these platforms actually feed on our existing convictions, tickling our ears and reinforcing ideas that can be both true or false.

This helps me to understand why so many people end up becoming radicalised because they merely followed what their search engines presented to them.

This may also explains the increased division in the world today not only due to race or nationality but often within individual households.

I just watched another YouTube recommendation today where although it confirmed my own suspicions I had to wonder whether I am also being manipulated. Does YouTube algoritms present counter argument material to me as well?

Plus the fact of having a lifetime experience of regularly being proven wrong in something  I was absolutely convinced about. It is a very humbling experience when that enlightenment sometimes comes from your own children.

My basic message to you all is be careful out there. Intentionally or unintentionally we seem to be exposed to subtle forms of manipulation that causes large groups of viewers and readers to believe opposing ideas, contributing to an even greater form of division and polarisation amongst us.

And this division is distracting our attention away from far more important global issues threatening us. Global issues that could be tackled far more effectively if we were all united.

The internet is like tropical rain forest with us taking on the character of Bear Grylls on run within a tropical rainforest filled with both beneficial and poisonous herbs, plants, flowers and fruits trees. Its gaining the discernment, ability and experience to distingiush them from each other.

Do your own research, use alternative search engines, surf via vpn and incognito. It has nothing to do with hiding your internet activity but more to do with not letting the search engine dictate to you it thinks you should see.

Be willing to listen to platforms and individuals that do not share your viewpoint.

I hate and do not normally discuss any kind of politics but if you want to know the real truth about your political party then you should listen to the opposition more often.

Check your friends' search results on the same subject and compare. You can enter an offline search request and listen to their search results answers.

But maybe better still disconnect more often and spend more time in the real world with your family, neighbours and friends with your smartphone in flightmode.

Recently I did this - disconnected, together with my own adult children and the topic about media manipulation came up, with both my kids reminding me to watch that film that they had constantly been recommending to me a year or so.

'The Social Dilemma' on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224?s=a&trkid=13747225&t=cp

Yes I know, I just told you to disconnect and now reconnect, its a must watch documentary film. It will give you an added incentive to disconnect again a.s.a.p.

Yes, get offline more often even if it means not being able to read my stuff here on Wordpress.

Because it is not always about searching. reading and listening to what other people's answers, conclusions, convictions and stories. It's also about you rediscovering your inner self, inner child and finally listening to what your truth . A truth that was not formed or created by the internet.