Escaping the Mind Virus

Last night, something hit me while I was out with Peggy. As she sniffed around the yard, taking her sweet ass time to do her business. I habitually pulled out my phone and thought about putting on a podcast to "catch up on the news." I justified it, of course, because I need to stay informed, I told myself. But the thought lingered: why did I really feel that pull?

The Illusion of Staying Informed

We like to believe we're savvy about media—that we can see through the noise, the spin, the clickbait. I've made a career out of studying communication, and yet I still get caught in the loop: the urge to know what's happening right now, to refresh the feed and hear what's next, to receive that rush of dopamine I so desperately lack. It's the same psychological trick that reality television perfected years ago and contributed to the success of our current divider-and-chief.

The endless reality TV show always led to the trainwreck cliffhanger: What happens next? Tune in tomorrow. When I step back, I realize that's exactly how the 24-hour news cycle has wired our brains. It's not just information—it's programming. And I'm not immune. None of us are.

The Reality Show of Real Life

We've been conditioned to consume the world like a never-ending episode. News, politics, social media—they're all crafted to keep us watching, reacting, sharing, and engaging. The characters change, but the drama stays the same. Each day's "story of the day" gives us something new to be angry, anxious, or worried about.

Fox News has mastered this formula, but they're not alone. The other networks do it too by pandering to their base - Fox is just exceptionally good (and evil) at it. Everyone's competing for attention, and outrage is the easiest currency to spend.

Cutting the Feed

In 2020, when the world felt like it was caving in, I decided to take a 30-day break from news and social media. The effect was immediate. My anxiety dropped. My sleep improved. I realized how little most headlines actually affected my day-to-day life.

It's not that awareness doesn't matter—it does. But there's a limit. If you're not taking action on the information you're consuming, it's just noise. There's a fine line between being informed and being infected.

Action comes down to a FEW OPTIONS…

Talk MINUS Action EQUALS ZERO: Talk-Action=0

Talk-Action=0

• Find a non-profit in your community and volunteer.

• Financially support a politician and/or cause that aligns with your beliefs.

• Call your elected officials to share your concerns.

• Register to vote and participate in all elections, big and small.

• Boycott companies that contradict your beliefs.

• Peacefully protest, find the others, and meet in person.

The original "Mind Virus" left no one winning, especially Charlie Sheen

Speaking of train wrecks, I watched the Charlie Sheen documentary on Netflix and was reminded of how annoying his antics were on the internet back in 2011, when social media was still in its infancy and social networking occurred with actual humans.

In case you're wondering, current data indicates that roughly half of all social media profiles may be bots or "bot-like," including automated bots, AI-driven accounts, and coordinated human-run fake accounts.

Back in 2011, you couldn't escape Charlie Sheen's meltdown because it dominated the web, with memes, hashtags, and clips all feeding on the spectacle. I was so sick of seeing it that I was delighted to discover and use Greg Leuch’s clever Tinted Sheen browser extension, which solved the problem. The extension was created to block Sheen’s name from search and social media results. I wanted to reclaim my own attention, to clean up the digital clutter for the sake of my own sanity.

Looking back, that was before "mute" buttons, before blocking keywords on Twitter (or X), before social platforms were driven by algorithmic addiction. Even then, I sensed how toxic constant exposure could be, and today, things online are way worse.

Now, the virus has evolved. It's no longer one celebrity or scandal—it's everything: politics, outrage, misinformation, and disinformation. The feed has become a living organism, feeding on our attention.

How to Reclaim Our Minds & Stop the Mind Virus

We've passed the point where browser extensions can save us. You can't block enough keywords to restore your peace. The only real solution is to unplug—step outside, meet people, talk face-to-face.

The antidote isn't another app or productivity hack. Its presence. It's laughter with friends. It's silence and mindfulness. It's the reminder that most of what we scroll through is engineered distraction, not enlightenment.

If we want peace of mind, we must reclaim the pieces we've given away. While you may have heard that time is our most precious commodity, that's not entirely accurate - it's our attention. What good is time if we are wasting it paying attention to garbage?

Each headline, each argument, each dopamine hit—it all fragments us. Reassembling that peace starts with acknowledging the infection: the mind virus that keeps us endlessly tuned in, scrolling, clicking, feeling enraged, lacking trust in our neighbors, and emotionally drained.

It's time to log off, look up, and reconnect with the humans in your life, because it may shock you to discover that we aren't that different; it's just the powers that be who want us to believe it so they can get rich by dividing us, and that’s not winning after all.

Screenshot from Flickr by Pixelant.

There was a time when social media felt like a communication revolution. It opened doors to connect with people across the globe, breaking down barriers and democratizing conversations. Suddenly, you could directly communicate with actors, comedians, business leaders — people you'd never meet otherwise. My kids marveled when they discovered Vanilla Ice was following me on Twitter, but he never replied to my DM. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I loved how you could meet someone at a tech event, follow up on Twitter, and keep the dialogue going. Or we'd first connect online, then strengthen that relationship in person at a "tweetup," conference, or "unconference." It was authentic, human communication — playful, exploratory, and full of possibility. The magic happens with hugs, handshakes, and high-fives... and lest we forget fist bumps.

Then the business model changed — and so did communication

When social platforms went public, the game shifted. Shareholders and boards demanded more revenue, pushing platforms to maximize engagement at any cost. And what keeps us engaged? Content that triggers the strongest reactions.

It's the same principle behind the old media adage: "If it bleeds, it leads." But unlike newspapers, which had editorial oversight, today's algorithms decide what we see based purely on what gets the most clicks — not what's thoughtful, balanced, or helpful. This has fundamentally altered how we communicate online. Conversations are now often driven by outrage, fear, or sensationalism, rather than curiosity or genuine connection.

We can't even trust who we're communicating with

It's not just what we see, but who we're talking to. Bots and AI agents have become so sophisticated and widespread that it's increasingly difficult to tell if you're engaging in real human communication at all.

Then there's the nefarious actors and simple trolls who use social media fan flames of division, a striking example was when Russian operatives created Facebook groups that organized opposing protests outside an Islamic center in Houston, Texas—one anti-Islam and one pro-Muslim—effectively turning Americans against each other, all orchestrated from Russia for around $200. It's a chilling example of how easily our communication channels can be hijacked to sow chaos and deepen divisions.

What once promised meaningful dialogue has been distorted into a landscape where you should question every online interaction, or you should be.

The slow erosion of networks for real communication

That's why I believe the days of social networks — at least as platforms for forming new relationships — are coming to an end. The remaining value is primarily in helping us maintain communication with people we already know, such as friends, family, and colleagues.

Facebook still exists for that reason, though engagement is already dropping in the U.S. and Canada, especially among younger users. LinkedIn continues to be effective for professional communication, but if algorithms continue to prioritize attention over authenticity, even that utility could fade. Recently, LinkedIn significantly reduced the number of personal notes that could be included in connection requests. I've always taught my clients to include that note to remind the person who you are and where you met IRL. Want access to more personal notes? Now you need to pay LinkedIn.

Ultimately, meaningful communication comes back to proximity and directness. We'll meet at a networking event. I'll send you a follow-up email. Maybe we'll grab coffee or chat on Zoom. We'll build trust through conversation, stay in touch, and reconnect at future conferences.

If I want to be introduced to someone, I won't rely on LinkedIn — I'll reach out to the person directly. That's going to put more pressure on us as professionals to organize our contacts thoughtfully, maybe with a solid CRM or even just a smarter inbox. If tools like Gmail and Outlook start building better relationship features, they could become the new hubs for professional communication, as email is still king.

So how do we protect our communication from all this noise?

I still stand by what I wrote in New Business Networking: Don't put anything online you wouldn't want your parents or grandparents to see.

Slow down and take a breath before diving into Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or even X (if you still use it — I don't recommend it) — especially the feeds. Notice how a headline, post, or thread makes you feel. If it spikes anger, fear, or anxiety, close the app or tab. Recognize that these platforms are designed to manipulate our communication, to turn our emotional reactions into profit.

This isn't about tuning out from important issues. It's about being wise communicators — understanding that many online stories are shaped by business incentives, malicious actors, misinformation, and deliberate disinformation intended to divide us. It's also key to question how a story affects you and, if it does, what you plan to do about it other than sharing the story in the digital echo chambers. Instead, call your elected official to express your concerns, boycott the unethical business in question, register to vote, support a nonprofit that is fighting for what you believe, or volunteer your time. You get the idea.

Communication still matters — more than ever

The internet can still fulfill its early promise of powerful connection and meaningful communication. But that will only happen if we approach it with more discernment, more skepticism, and a deeper commitment to building human relationships beyond the reach of manipulative algorithms. There's power in proximity.

I was recently repulsed by a trailer for a movie called Am I Racist? that pokes fun at DEI and related topics. I consider myself liberal and left-of-center with friends from every political persuasion, but the film trailer made the movie seem flat-out mean, making fun of people who are trying to do right or at least think they are. Then I noticed the film is from The Daily Wire and even includes locations in Nashville, which is unfortunate because once you get past the redneck cliches, drunken tourists, and mobile hot tubs, Nashville is a very diverse, warm, welcoming, and accepting city that is, unfortunately, attracting the wrong types of people like idiotic Nazis and the like, but I digress…

Later last night, I fell into a seemingly endless swiping session on YouTube Shorts, or maybe it was Instagram Reels; it doesn’t matter. I came across a funny clip of interviews with MAGA types saying ridiculous things. I noted the clips were from The Daily Show, a show I used to watch frequently, and suddenly, it hit me like a ton of clicks.

We are all just being played against one another so that other people can get rich from our rage, pride, fear, and ignorance. Such content increases views, shares, followers, comments, and TOS (time on site). The sites and profiles with the most of these make the most money from advertisers. It makes sense when you think about it, but the business model is unfortunate. This greed and competitiveness are why podcast hosts I used to enjoy end up platforming bad people with bad ideas, and I unsubscribe.

Yes, there are elements of ridiculousness in far left-leaning ideologies, just as there are on the right. And yes, I love humor and parody like the next guy. However, programs and movies such as these are designed for specific audiences, and when they include highly edited TikTok-worthy clips, we miss the context and the whole story from such man-in-the-street-type interviews. And when it’s all said and done, this is entertainment from companies who care more about the dollars they earn than the division they fuel.

It’s good to laugh at ourselves, but it’s unfair to use these pawns as scapegoats for our own pompous bullying entertainment. Of course, it’s great to make fun of those who purportrade such bad ideas, misinformation, disinformation, and hatred. I’m all for that to a point, but this has become a significant problem as social networks and news networks’ algorithms are tweaked to get our attention as we sit in siloed echo chambers online.

Turning the other cheek.

If you want to talk about religion, you’ll have to buy me a (non-alcoholic) beer. Still, I’ll share that I was raised Catholic and have read the idea of "turning the other cheek” in most other popular religious texts, like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Jainism, and Taoism. Each of these traditions promotes non-retaliation, forgiveness, and responding to harm with compassion or restraint. For the purpose of my idea and upbringing, let’s stick with turning the other cheek for a moment.

The idea is simple: it’s time for everyone to turn to the other channel and note its similarities. Spend a day or so watching and listening to news networks, YouTubers, and podcasters from the other side of your political preference. You’ll see familiar formats like attractive talking heads, fancy newsrooms with interactive touchscreens, stale sitcoms, and comedy shows you are used to in your preferred content. They may even have the same advertisers.

Turn your addictive device off and turn to your neighbors.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Upon accepting that we are all being played, turn your addictive device off and turn to your neighbors, who, as it turns out, are much more similar to you than you think. Abraham Maslow figured this out over eighty years ago.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is still the United States. Or did I misread that, as I received my US citizenship around this time last year? And not so fast, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and everywhere else. This is happening where you are, too.

Yes, you will find the media that suits your personality and beliefs; these technologies are designed to ensure this. Enjoy the talking points, heated debates, and hilarious monologues. Just be sure to hit pause and question what and why you’re seeing or hearing what you’re seeing and hearing.

Just as I’ve explained to my kids ad nauseam, when you see something online or in the news that makes you feel angry, sad, fearful, or frustrated, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and question the source of that item and consider what’s in it for them. It’s usually money, power, or a combination of both. It’s okay to be entertained and laugh at what you view, but remain mindful and diligent in seeing through this facade, remembering that most of this is just entertainment and it’s a business that, sadly, too often, is dividing us rather than uniting us.

Keep reading about social media and addictive tech.

This article first appeared on my Substack. Don’t miss future posts and the extras you’re likely missing.

Immigrants come to this country in droves. They start businesses and use a tax loophole, so they don’t have to pay taxes. They then invite their family members and friends here, they too start similar businesses, and they don’t pay taxes either!

This is something two American friends told me a number of months ago before dinner. They explained that these loopholes are how immigrants come from countries like India and Korea and now run most mid-range hotels and convenience stores, respectively.

Naturally, I was dumbfounded. I Googled their tax claim and discovered they were wrong. I politely added that I wish it was true since I’m an immigrant. I joked that I wanted to cash in on this*. They were both surprised but accepted my fact-checked revelation.

I explained that it made sense that an immigrant who comes to America and starts a successful business would invite their extended family. Naturally, they would support and mentor them to create similar businesses. This is what Irish laborers and Italian restauranteurs did in the early days of the US. Go back even further and it was the Spaniards and French who built great wealth from this Native American land.

I don’t expect the gentlemen were racist, they were simply ill-informed by rumors and misinformation. It’s easier to make the case when the people you refer to don’t look like you. Besides, I added, isn’t discovering loopholes to pay as little tax as possible the American way? Even that former president applauded such efforts, but I digress.

Sex & Donuts

Recently, I watched two documentaries on Hulu. I didn’t expect they would both leave me thinking a lot about immigrants... and sex and donuts.

The first film was Ask Dr. Ruth. I watched it because I was just speaking with my kids the other day about her. I told them how we (people growing up in the ’80s) learned all about sex from Dr. Ruth Westheimer (and Sue). I was curious about her story and decided to give the movie a try. I had no idea that Dr. Ruth had been a refugee who lost her parents during the holocaust. She ended up immigrating to the US in 1956.

The second film was The Donut King. The story of Ted Ngoy, also known as the “Donut King” who came to the United States as a penniless refugee from Cambodia in 1975.

Both Dr. Ruth and Ted Ngoy had horrific experiences that led in part to their relentless work ethic and passion for supporting others. Dr. Ruth literally taught thousands of Americans about sex, while Ngoy taught hundreds of Cambodian refugees how to open and run their own donut shops across the country. Both are heroes.

I had no idea that an estimated 80% of donut shops in the Los Angeles area are owned by Cambodian Americans. In Houston, Texas, the percentage is an even larger 90%.

This morning, on the way to school, I took my kids to our local donut shop and mentioned the movie to the cashier. She laughed and confirmed that she too was Cambodian!

I realize immigration is a complex topic that’s far beyond my scope. But I encourage you to watch both of these excellent films and use the web to fact-check when you hear outlandish statements.

And in case you’re wondering, here are the top 25 US companies run by immigrants.

1. Tesla

2. Google

3. eBay

4. PayPal

5. Nordstrom

6. BNY Mellon

7. Kohl’s

8. Cognizant

9. LinkedIn

10. Big Lots

11. DuPont

12. Pfizer

13. Yahoo

14. Soros Fund Management

15. Kraft Heinz

16. Goldman Sachs

17. General Electric

18. Comcast

19. Emerson

20. Capital One

21. Procter & Gamble

22. WellCare Health Plans

23. Honeywell International

24. Colgate

25. Thermo Fisher Scientific

*This immigrant always pays his taxes in full.

Several months ago, I was enjoying dinner with a group of people. One of the guests ordered a vodka and Red Bull. A woman gasped as he began to sip his concoction. He stared at her curiously and asked if she had ever tasted the beverage. She explained she would never drink the stuff because of something she read on the internet. 

"Red Bull is made with bull semen."

The group of us laughed, and the woman became flushed. She insisted it was probably true because she saw it online. Her friend had sent her a link to the story. I politely introduced her to a website everyone needs to know about called Snopes.com.

Snopes is the definitive internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation. If you ever come across a story that seems too wild to be true, check Snopes. Check the story, especially before you share it.

I should add that Snopes is entirely independent and self-supporting; they receive no funding from any person, group, agency, or organization. 

Is Obama a liar? Is Trump a fake?

Want to know how that politician is performing? Would you like to see if that political rumor is true or not? Check Politifact.com before spreading the story.

PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics. When you hear something on talk radio, TV, online, or at the watercooler, it's best to check its accuracy here first. 

Understand online and traditional media outlets are businesses. Sensationalist headlines always draw our attention. The more clicks, eyeballs, and eardrums they receive, the more money they earn from advertisers. 

Most sites and media outlets have biases and may even lean to one political side over another. It's no secret that Fox leans Republican, and MSNBC leans Democrat. It's up to you to recognize this before you amplify the "news" with your friends on Facebook.

When you share fake news you are part of the problem.

Don't be a red-faced, bull semen-sipping believer. Be responsible by checking the facts and source first. Spreading fake news and misinformation can not only make you look foolish, but it can also be downright dangerous. Less informed, more gullible people can act on rumors in horrible ways. 

I've included the latest stories and rumors below from Politifact and Snopes. Click through to learn more and to be informed. 

The Latest from Snopes and Politifact

Can't see the latest above? Click over to Snopes or Politifact directly.

The Red Bull bull semen rumor is totally fake, but the headline made you click to read this post, right? That's how they get us. ;)