[shlant]

the bar has certainly been lowered about as far as it can be in terms of who can share their ideas/beliefs. It's a double-edged sword of previously unheard of freedom of speech and an unending supply of lies/bullshit/deception/ignorance. It makes cultivating a strong level of discernment one of the most necessary skills for surviving (sometimes literally) in todays world.

[grawprog]

Yet the national inquirer, the daily star etc. Have been purchasable in front of nearly every checkout stand for at least my entire life. Lies/bullshit/deception and ignorance are nothing new.

[gen3]

It’s just packaged differently. Instead of easily knowing it’s trash, it’s someone you trust on Facebook spouting crazy. I think that’s what gets people the most.

[shlant]

> Lies/bullshit/deception and ignorance are nothing new

You are definitely right there, but my point was the barrier for entry has been lowered. No need to have a printing press and to be accepted for sale at storefronts - if you have an internet connection, you have a voice.