Children: The Dangers of Online Wokeness

 

Screenshot (heartlanddailynews.com)

In our modern society, the pervasive influence of social media and the internet has led to the rise of a phenomenon known as "online wokeness." This term refers to the heightened awareness and activism surrounding social justice issues, particularly among younger generations and in some cases even adults. It can also have negative effects on children if not managed properly. Parents must take proactive measures to protect their children from the pitfalls of online wokeness, including misinformation, peer pressure, and emotional distress.

One of the primary concerns with online wokeness is the spread of misinformation and propaganda. Children who are exposed to these messages may not have the critical thinking skills to discern fact from opinion or to question the legitimacy of the sources. This can lead to a distorted worldview and contribute to the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes or prejudices. Parents can mitigate this risk by teaching their children media literacy skills and encouraging them to fact-check information before accepting it as truth.

Another issue with online wokeness is the pressure to conform to certain beliefs or ideologies. Children may feel compelled to adopt the views of their peers or social media influencers in order to fit in or avoid backlash. Hollywood, entertainers and online “influencers” are infamous for this kind of brainwashing. Many of these so-called influencers are Gen Zers who truly don’t understand the real world and often parrot extreme ideologies such as misgendering and pronoun use, not to mention Socialist tendencies. It is very important that parents keep in mind that many of these propagandists, disguised as influencers, are paid to preach these ideologies while others are part of the groupthink.  Parents should emphasize the importance of independent thinking and encourage their children to form their own opinions based on evidence and critical thinking, rather than simply following the crowd. Online engagement relating to wokeness ideology can lead to real life consequences.

Furthermore, the constant exposure to divisive and polarizing content online can contribute to emotional distress and anxiety in children. The relentless stream of negative news stories, inflammatory rhetoric, and personal attacks can take a toll on their mental health. Many of these are caused by leftist media, social media platforms and the Democrat Party. They heavily rely on their army of Gen Zers to continually tow their line even if the information is untrue or in some cases threatening to an individual or groups. Parents should monitor their children's online activity and limit their exposure to harmful content, as well as provide for open and honest discussions about their feelings and concerns.

In addition, online wokeness can also lead to a sense of moral superiority or self-righteousness in children. The desire to be seen as socially conscious or politically correct may overshadow genuine empathy and compassion for others. Parents should emphasize the importance of humility, empathy, and open-mindedness in their children, and encourage them to listen to diverse perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different beliefs.

Moreover, the pressure to perform or conform to certain standards of activism can be overwhelming for children. This sense of “activism” can lead to real life scenarios in schools, employment and in their personal lives. Parents should help their children establish healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care, as well as encourage them to engage in activism in a sustainable and meaningful way. The key is to allow for critical and independent thinking.

Furthermore, the online echo chambers and filter bubbles created by social media algorithms can limit children's exposure to conservative viewpoints and alternative perspectives. This can lead to a narrow-minded and insular worldview that is resistant to challenging information that is outside the norm. Parents should encourage their children to seek out diverse sources of information and engage with a variety of viewpoints, in order to foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

The emphasis on likes, shares, and retweets can overshadow the importance of meaningful and sustained action in creating real change and the ability to think critically and meaningfully. Parents should encourage their children to focus on tangible results and long-term engagement with worthwhile causes, rather than on surface-level symbolism or virtue signaling. Gaining more followers or sharing groupthink ideologies for the sake of being “liked,” or fear of losing online “friends” should not even be a consideration. Independent thinking should always be encouraged.

Moreover, the competitive nature of online wokeness can create a toxic environment of comparison and judgment among children. The pressure to be the most "woke" or the most morally righteous can lead to feelings of inadequacy or insecurity in children. Parents should emphasize the importance of authenticity and more importantly, encourage their children to prioritize their own values and beliefs over external validation or approval.