Today, we’re diving into the real-world impact of misinformation on social media, particularly Facebook. How did a made-up story lead someone to bring a gun into a pizza shop? What really fueled the Capitol riot? We explore the thin line between lies online and violence offline. It’s tempting to scroll past a conspiracy theory or laugh off a wild comment section. But...

Rural America, home to nearly 60 million people (about 19% of the U.S. population), plays a crucial role in the nation's economy, agriculture, and energy production. However, small towns and farming communities already face numerous challenges, including declining populations, hospital closures, economic stagnation, and climate-related disasters. Project 2025, a policy initiative led by...

You don’t wake up one day and decide to become an extremist. It happens gradually, often without someone realizing they’re going down that road. But in today’s digital world, it’s never been easier to fall into radical thinking — and it’s becoming a real danger. What Is Extremism, Really? At its core, extremism means holding beliefs that are way outside the...

We’ve all had that moment where we read something shocking online and think, “Wait… could that be true?” Whether it’s a wild conspiracy or just a twisted version of the truth, false information has a sneaky way of pulling us in. But why? The answer lies in how our brains work. We’re Wired for Shortcuts Humans are busy. Our brains are constantly looking...

Recently in a few of the local Facebook groups I read, I’ve noticed something in my newsfeed that is both irking and alarming. Some people (many of whom I don’t know in person) are using Facebook as a virtual clothesline to air their dirty laundry. I’ve seen grown women rip their boyfriend’s exes to shreds through status updates, guys do the same thing about the ladies...