Part 10/14:
He emphasizes that the internet’s vast, uncurated information landscape contributes to radicalization, especially when individuals are isolated, disoriented, or battling addiction—like Smith, a drug user amid personal hardship. During the pandemic, the proliferation of conspiracy content provided a sense of control and community, albeit misguided.
Kerner discusses how these beliefs often become narrow and unassailable, making individuals resistant to correction or nuance. This is compounded by their social isolation, the fear of admitting uncertainty, and the difficulty of undoing deeply ingrained worldviews.