Muslim World Report

Bridging the Divide Between Online Sharing and True Values

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 16, 2025 11:06 AM | 9 min read | 1910 words

TL;DR: The disconnect between online sharing and genuine values is threatening societal cohesion and democratic engagement. To bridge this divide, we must embrace authentic community engagement, critical thinking, and responsible social media use across all sectors of society.

The Disconnect Between Online Sharing and True Values

In recent months, an alarming trend has emerged within the discourse surrounding values and ideologies in the United States and beyond. The continuing polarization of society has led to a stark contrast between liberal and conservative values, with each side prioritizing different aspects of societal engagement:

  • Liberals: Emphasize care for others, equality, and progressive social policies.
  • Conservatives: Advocate for loyalty, nationalism, and a strong adherence to authority.

This divide is not merely theoretical; it manifests in everyday interactions, policy discussions, and the narratives that shape our collective consciousness.

Social media platforms have played a critical role in amplifying this divide. Posts that resonate with the values of either camp are frequently shared and often underpinned by misleading or outright false information. As Gordon Pennycook and David Rand (2021) highlight, there exists a substantial disconnect between what people believe and what they share on social media, driven by factors such as inattention and cognitive heuristics rather than purely ideological motivations.

This phenomenon manifests through a proliferation of ‘virtue signaling’—a performative affirmation of one’s beliefs without accompanying commitment to substantive action. For instance:

  • A Twitter user may share a post advocating for social justice, presenting themselves as an ally while failing to engage in meaningful community efforts or activism.
  • Sharing countless posts does less to uphold a value—whether it is care for others or loyalty to a group or leader—than dedicating just half an hour to community volunteering.

Such clicks and shares create an illusion of engagement, masking a deeper disconnect from the actual principles being espoused.

Moreover, this disconnect can be informed by a broader cultural context. In many European countries, what is considered liberal in the U.S. is often viewed as centrist, with conservative factions advocating for policies prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable populations. For instance, even the “right-wingers” in some European nations view caring for others, especially the marginalized, as a core aspect of patriotism (Kuziemko et al., 2015).

Such differences complicate our binary understanding of political ideologies and expose the limitations of our definitions and assessments of values. Are we truly committed to the principles we profess, or are we merely participating in a digital theater of ideologies? The implications extend far beyond individual behavior, informing political action, public policy, and international relations.

This disconnect suggests a troubling trajectory for societal cohesion and democratic engagement. As the world grapples with pressing issues—such as climate change, economic inequality, and the rise of authoritarianism—the ability to move beyond superficial expressions of values toward genuine, collective action is paramount. Moreover, the spread of misinformation, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic (Geldsetzer, 2020), demonstrates the critical need for robust digital literacy and accurate information consumption. Engaging with authentic narratives rather than sensationalized or misleading content is essential for fostering a more informed populace.

For our societies to progress, it is imperative that we confront the reality of our ideological divides, striving to bridge these gaps through authentic engagement and understanding. Below, we explore several potential “What If” scenarios that could shape the future of online engagement and its relationship with societal values.

What if Online Engagement Became a Requirement for Social Responsibility?

If social media engagement became a benchmark for social responsibility, it would fundamentally alter the landscape of civic engagement. This scenario presupposes that platforms would pivot to prioritize actions over mere sharing. The implications of this shift could be far-reaching:

  • Increased involvement in community service, local politics, and grassroots activism.
  • Exacerbation of existing inequalities: Those with access to resources may find it easier to engage meaningfully, while marginalized groups could struggle.
  • Potential backlash: Users may resist the notion that their online behavior should be dictated or evaluated, leading to a fracturing of online communities.

Ultimately, while this scenario could increase meaningful engagement, it would require a careful examination of social media dynamics and the socioeconomic factors influencing participation. Meaningful policies would need to be established that foster equitable access to resources and information.

What if Political Narratives Shifted Towards Authentic Community Engagement?

Imagine a political landscape where the dominant narratives prioritize authentic community engagement over partisan ideology. In this scenario, political leaders and influencers would actively promote initiatives that foster genuine connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Such an approach would necessitate:

  • A comprehensive understanding of community needs.
  • Policies that are proactive rather than reactive.

This collaborative spirit could reduce political animosity by shifting focus from ideological differences to shared goals, ultimately leading to more effective policymaking informed by constituents’ collective input.

However, the challenge remains: How can we incentivize political leaders to prioritize community engagement over party loyalty? The answer may lie in redefining success metrics in political leadership—shifting the focus from electoral victories to community development and stability. Leaders may need to be held accountable for their engagement efforts and tested on their ability to bring varied community members together.

What if Misleading Information Became a Criminal Offense?

Consider a radical shift where the dissemination of misleading information, particularly in the context of political and social issues, is designated as a criminal offense. This scenario would necessitate significant legal and ethical recalibrations regarding freedom of speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms. The implications could be transformative:

  • Criminalizing misinformation could deter the rampant spread of false narratives, fostering a more informed citizenry.
  • Stringent penalties might make individuals think twice before sharing unverified information, potentially reducing the virality of misleading posts.

Conversely, this approach raises serious concerns about censorship and the potential stifling of free speech. Determining the line between misleading information and legitimate discourse is fraught with challenges. Political biases could influence enforcement, leading to accusations of selective prosecution and undermining trust in legal institutions. Furthermore, the risk that individuals may become increasingly hesitant to express dissenting views due to fear of reprisal is a major concern.

For this scenario to be viable, it would require robust legal frameworks, transparency, and comprehensive public discourse to ensure that justice systems operate fairly and without bias. While the intention behind such a measure is to protect the integrity of public discourse, its execution must be handled with extraordinary care.

Bridging the Gap Between Online Sharing and Values

The critical examination of our online behaviors in relation to societal values reveals larger gaps that need to be bridged. Beyond exploring potential scenarios that might reshape our engagements, it is essential to discuss actionable strategies that could enhance our collective values in a world dominated by digital interactions. Below, we lay out strategic maneuvers for different stakeholders in our society.

For Individuals

First and foremost, individuals must embrace the responsibility of their online presence. This involves:

  • Critically evaluating the information they consume and share.
  • Engaging with content that reflects verified facts and diverse perspectives.

People must move beyond passive consumption of information and become active participants in shaping societal dialogues.

Additionally, individuals should prioritize direct, in-person involvement in their communities. This can take the form of:

  • Volunteering
  • Attending local meetings
  • Participating in grassroots movements

By deepening their engagement at the local level, community members can cultivate a better understanding of the complexities of social issues and contribute meaningfully to public discourse. However, this self-reflection and community involvement must be coupled with the understanding that many barriers exist to full participation. Not everyone has the time, resources, or support to engage in volunteerism or activism, and we must begin addressing these disparities in access to civic engagement.

For Social Media Platforms

Social media companies must also take responsibility for the content shared on their platforms. This could include:

  • Implementing stricter fact-checking protocols.
  • Promoting algorithmic transparency.

By prioritizing the dissemination of accurate information, these companies can play a role in reducing the spread of misinformation and fostering a healthier digital environment.

Moreover, they could incentivize users to engage in community-building initiatives, rewarding those who participate in meaningful offline activities with increased visibility and reach on their platforms. Engaging users not just as passive consumers of content but as active participants in community-building can help redefine social media’s role in society.

Additionally, social media platforms can work with independent fact-checkers and non-profit organizations to create educational campaigns that promote digital literacy, making users better equipped to differentiate between credible news sources and misinformation.

For Political Leaders

Political leaders must shift their narratives to prioritize community engagement and public service over partisan agendas. This involves:

  • Fostering open dialogues with constituents.
  • Addressing their concerns and being receptive to feedback.

Leaders should advocate for policies that support inclusion and equity, ensuring that all voices are heard in the political process. By modeling genuine engagement and collaboration, leaders can inspire their constituents to adopt similar values.

One potential strategy could be hosting town hall meetings that bring diverse community members into dialogue, breaking down barriers between different ideological groups and fostering a collaborative environment. Innovative approaches to legislation that are co-created with community input can bolster confidence in political systems, encouraging citizens to see themselves as co-creators of their governance rather than passive subjects of political machinations.

For Educational Institutions

Lastly, educational institutions have a crucial role in instilling critical thinking skills and a sense of social responsibility in future generations. By incorporating curricula that emphasize the importance of civic engagement and the challenges of misinformation, schools can empower students to become informed and active participants in their communities.

Providing opportunities for real-world engagement, such as community service projects and public policy discussions, equips students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of societal issues. Schools could also sponsor debate clubs or community forums where students of differing opinions share and discuss their viewpoints in a respectful environment.

The role of educational institutions can be enhanced further by integrating digital literacy into their core curricula—teaching students how to critically evaluate sources, understand media biases, and engage with diverse perspectives to foster a more thoughtful and informed citizenry.

Redefining Values in a Digital Age

As we navigate the complexities of a digitally interconnected world, we must emphasize critical thinking, media literacy, and community connection to restore trust in our collective discourse. Only through collaborative action can we bridge the gap between online expression and authentic values.

The need for authentic engagements—where individuals, organizations, and communities actively invest in their stated values—has never been greater. The prospect of a society where online actions align with true values hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders to foster an environment conducive to genuine participation.

The journey towards bridging these divides in values and action will not be straightforward. It requires a multifaceted approach, adjusting to the dynamic landscape of public discourse and online interactions. Each potential “What If” scenario opens pathways for innovative solutions and deeper engagement, allowing us to reimagine a world where technology serves as a tool for authentic civic participation rather than a battleground for ideological conflict.

References

  • Kuziemko, I., Norton, M. I., Saez, E., & Stantcheva, S. (2015). How Elastic Are Preferences for Redistribution? Evidence from Randomized Survey Experiments. American Economic Review. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20130360
  • Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2021). The Psychology of Fake News. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2021.02.007
  • Geldsetzer, P. (2020). Knowledge and Perceptions of COVID-19 Among the General Public in the United States and the United Kingdom: A Cross-sectional Online Survey. Annals of Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.7326/m20-0912
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