[graemep]

Which bit of the test of the world? I varies a lot.

The broad answer is badly.

One thing I find in the UK is that while most people say they distrust journalists and the media most people's worldview is clearly formed by the media they favour. This works both ways, of course.

Social media does allow some crazy conspiracy theorists, but they are a minority and most people use social media (at least outside personal stuff) to share both media stories and little snippets and quotes which back the same views and narrative they favour.

It is also very common for people to despise people who take a different view to despise those who believe the obviously false/propagandised/repugnant view of the other side. I think the "left" are worse (quotes, because IMO it is now more of a tribal badge than actually meaningful), but that may be because most people I know in IRL and connect to on social media are from a narrow group (affluent, Guardian reading type of left wing). I have known a broader range of people (in different countries too) but do not see that much of their attitudes at the moment and the biggest group (Sri Lankans) mostly comment on problems specific to their own country (and obviously I do not see them face to face as I do not live there now) so only social media, chats and phone calls).