Viruses

Most all of us are focused on the Covid-19 virus with the aim of getting past it and safely back to some form of the lifestyle we used to enjoy.

But I believe that there are some issues that are just like viruses and that that are having an impact on our lives.

The first is that of of falsehoods promoted by mainly by social media algorithms, supported by mass media news agencies and networks and exploited by unscrupulous leaders.

With roughly 2.9 billion monthly active users, Facebook is the largest social media network and immensely profitable. The sheer size of its user base makes it the largest worldwide broadcaster of information; much of it unfiltered and unvalidated. The more time that people spend on the site, the more money Facebook and other social media companies earn. They do this by facilitating content that engages users and by algorithms that reinforce user preferences to perpetuate opinions no matter if they are untrue, divisive or of danger to social stability. The spread of unfounded conspiracy theories has been greatly facilitated by social media.

This has also had an impact on politics. While fringe elements have always existed, they now have more outlets to broadcast their views and politicians, aiming to curry favor with as many constituencies as possible, will do and say whatever it takes if they think it will help them obtain or remain in power. 

Consequently, many conservative leaders have committed what I consider serious errors in judgment as a result of their management of Covid-19. Indeed, seven Brazilian opposition senators are accusing President Jair Bolsonaro of crimes against humanity. In this he is joined by other right-wing leaders who cater to these groups. Including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who have constantly relied on ideology rather than science resulting in thousands of needless deaths in their states. To these must be added other US Republican leaders who have spread lies and misinformation and created chaos in the management of the crisis. 

The resulting lack of confidence in fundamental institutions of governance is another form of virus at hand. 

Canada is doing better than its southern neighbor, although Alberta Premier Jason Kenny, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have all at times catered to their followers rather than follow common sense and science. Meanwhile Prime Minister Justin Trudeau allowed border crossings by car with no isolating or testing upon arrival while air travelers had to do both for the sole reason of political optics. Canadian Conservative leader Erin O’Neill continues to waver on the issue of Covid-19 vaccine mandates and refuses to reveal how many pf his members of Parliament have been vaccinated as he strives to keep the radical wing of his party in line. 

Another virus is racial and religious hatred: antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-LGBT policies and discrimination in many nations around the world, misogyny, anti-aboriginal hatred, all fueled by religious, ideological, and ultra-nationalistic elements. All are on the upswing, and all are being expanded through social media and exploited by populist leaders seeking power.

The dangers posed by climate change continue to threaten our long-term survival. Natural disasters continue to increase and plague us, many of them caused directly by environmental degradation and global warming. Almost all governments continue to hedge their bets and resist making the immediate and profound changes necessary to reduce global warming. COP26 will soon end but the goal of creating a carbon neutral global economy will continue to fall short of Paris Agreement goals in the name of continued profits from fossil fuels and their derivatives.

So, while the fight against Covid-19 continues, I believe we must also address the other “viruses” that continue to impact all of us negatively and stand in the way of a stable global society and a better future for all. 

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Edición: Laura Espejo