The destructive power of lying (Part 2)

Lying isn’t as trivial as some people would like you to believe. When it’s widespread or systemic, it will have damaging effects on society. Trump has used it widely since 2015 and here are some key ways this practice erodes the fabric of our society. 

Trust is the bedrock of any functioning community and when lying becomes dominant, it undermines our ability to rely on each other, on institutions, and on the information we get. This makes cooperation, collaboration, and even simple daily interactions very difficult. 

If we can't trust what we're being told, communication becomes distorted and ineffective, leading to misunderstandings, conflict, and an inability to solve problems collectively. Widespread lying also creates divisions and distrust between different groups within society. It can fuel prejudice, animosity, and even violence. 

Now, as it’s the case with Trump and his reformed Republican Party, when MAGA engages in lying and misinformation, it destabilizes the political process. It makes it difficult for citizens to make informed decisions and that’s what leads to political polarization and gridlock. 

Same consequences for the economy as when businesses and individuals can't rely on the truth, uncertainty rises, discouraging investment and leading to economic decline. Worse yet, lying erodes public confidence in institutions like the media, the government, and even the justice system, leading to social unrest and a breakdown of the rule of law. 

Living in a society where lying is rampant ends up having negative psychological effects on individuals, bringing cynicism, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. As we have seen under Trump in the past, and are witnessing again today, one of the most insidious effects of widespread lying is that it can normalize dishonesty. 

 When people see that lying is common and often goes unpunished, they’ll be more likely to engage in it themselves. Finally, a society where lying is prevalent is a society that is less cohesive, less trusting, and less functional. It's a society where individuals and communities are less able to cooperate, solve problems, and thrive. 

Tomorrow, we’ll see how we can root out the plague that is lying.