“We used to be influenced by people we knew. Now we’re shaped by strangers performing belief.”
I had a realization recently during a conversation with my wife: the way influence works has completely shifted across generations, and not for the better.
Historically, the people who shaped how we thought were either those we knew personally or individuals confident enough in their beliefs to write and publish books. Even if we didn’t agree with them, we had a sense of where they stood. By the time their ideas made it to the page, hit the airwaves, or reached critical mass, those beliefs had been refined, tested through time, pressure, and personal alignment. Their convictions were interwoven with their lives.
For better or worse, the gatekeepers who amplified those voices had to weigh personal context, public scrutiny, or editorial integrity before offering them a platform. Of course, that system often failed, muting marginalized voices while elevating others, but it also gave us reference points. Even when imperfect, those references helped us understand who the idea-holder was, and why their voice carried weight.
Now? Influence is often driven by clout, clicks, and the performance of persona. Social media has created a landscape where many will say or do anything for attention, even if it doesn’t reflect what they truly believe. Their digital presence becomes a costume worn for engagement, not a window into who they are. And yet, these personas are shaping minds and belief systems, especially among younger generations.
But as I wrote this, another thought came to mind: maybe this isn’t entirely new.
The preacher cheating on his wife. The clergy member abusing power. The institutions that justified slavery through scripture. There’s always been a mask, some distance between public influence and private belief. The difference now is that it’s no longer confined to pulpits, stages, or podiums. That duality is available to anyone with a screen and a willingness to perform.
So maybe the issue at hand isn’t just misinformation, it’s disconnection.
With the barriers to influence lower than ever, more people are choosing to live in the space between their public reach and private truth. We’re being shaped by people we don’t really know and by people who don’t always believe what they’re saying, but continue speaking for the sake of relevance.
And it doesn’t stop with social media. This disconnection echoes throughout society: in the calculated outrage of news pundits, the shifting stances of politicians, and the curated authenticity of those whose convictions are driven solely by financial interest.
Influence without context, consistency, or conviction has become the norm. A norm that has left many chasing shadows, attempting to anchor themselves to people who are unanchored themselves.
Short Drop Series by Carl Murray - 072825
More to come…