Primary school

What does it say for our tolerance and the ability of humankind to coexist when the young 'uns don't want to be friends with people who don't share their beliefs?

- Joseph T. Gonzales

In a survey in the UK among young teens and adults, a full 37% responded that they couldn't be friends with someone who held a different viewpoint. Assuming that percentage is representative of youth everywhere else, does it mean humanity is destined to again start living in a world full of tribes?

We've seen it. Enraged individuals scorching the earth just because they've come across something they disagree with. It's the cancel culture, the swipe left, and the press the unfriend button convenience we've become used to. We don't like something, then we tune them out. Block them. Talk to the hand.

It becomes worse when we think about how rage baiting has become profitable. Clicks turn into cash, so the more clicks triggered by an upsetting incident, the more moolah. Even reputable news outlets deploy videos of stabbings and car crashes so they can catch the attention (and cash) of upset readers.