The Longest War: Psychological Warfare

Social media was incredibly exciting when it first emerged. It became a space where many of us were able to communicate with one another across the globe instantly, the first time humanity had ever experienced such a phenomenon. As with all new developments, society began to combat the differences that came with the consumption of social media. Whether it was the older generation feeling that the younger generation was becoming distracted and overstimulated, or the younger generation believing this was the greatest invention humanity had ever encountered, a clear divide began to form.

This led many older generations to struggle with operating or relating within this new world, while simultaneously trying to apply old practices to a new wave of technology. At the same time, younger generations became distracted and consumed by screen time, social media, and cultural programming. Ironically, this very system is how many millionaires became billionaires.

Whether through finding resources outside of the United States to gain financial advantages — essentially economic “cheat codes” — or through global exploitation, corporations have learned how to maximize profit at the expense of human life. Tech companies such as Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft actively rely on cobalt mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often under conditions involving child labor and inhumane wages. Although these companies publicly deny direct involvement, it is widely known that the Congo is the primary global source of these minerals, which are essential for the batteries used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and tablets, the very technology we rely on daily.

Fast forward to today: political parties have mastered the power of media. They have mastered the power of algorithms. But in what way?

Algorithms are one of the greatest threats to society. They are programmed to show users content based on their interests and viewing habits. They push whatever you want to see directly into your phone, tailored per individual. Think of it like this: I love the color blue, so all I see on my feed is blue. Someone else loves the color red, so all they see is red. Instead of a shared mix of perspectives, we are trapped in isolated realities.

This creates mass division and leads to the conscious separation we are witnessing today.

We see this clearly in how the Republican Party has utilized propaganda and algorithmic power to influence and produce harmful thoughts and behaviors among people who do not fully understand how these systems work. People who lack the awareness to form opinions outside of what is repeatedly shown to them. People who never step outside their comfort zones to understand that we are one human race living on one planet, that physical borders are conscious constructs, not natural truths.

Many politicians understand this. That is how they are able to manipulate large populations into believing that opposing parties are solely responsible for wrongdoing, when in reality corruption exists across political lines. Both Republican administrations and Democratic politicians alike have participated in illegal, inhumane, and destructive systems that prioritize power and wealth over human life.

This has created what I call the “Mass Divide,” where society is pinned against itself for the benefit of those in power, those hoarding wealth instead of creating change. These are the same people who publicly dictate morality while, behind closed doors, protected by lawyers and money, commit the very crimes they project onto others. Innocent people are punished, deported, and silenced, while those responsible face no accountability.

Laws are passed to prevent society from questioning wrongdoing or protesting for safety, within a system that no longer serves the people, but billionaires. Everyone sees this, except those who benefit from it. And then we are told that the very actions used to gain power are the blueprint for “success.” If you speak out against politicians operating within these destructive forces, your life can be threatened, through social isolation, character assassination, or blackmail.

This is why I am 1000% certain that humanity has been subjected to psychological warfare since the beginning of time.

And social media did two things at once: it exposed it, and it amplified it.