The internet can be pretty dark and full of terrors.

Every week we set out on a mission to promote atheism, critical thinking, secular humanism,

and the separation of religion and government.

But how do we know if we're succeeding when the comment section looks like, well, a YouTube

comment section?

How do any of us really know if we are participating in a free-flowing exchange of information

and ideas and not just digital mud-slinging?

We've all heard news stories about algorithms that prioritize user engagement over user experience,

outrage over well-being.

An online therapy survey of over 1,200 people suggested that six out of 10 Americans believe that

social media increases their depression and anxiety, yet choose to use it anyway, suggesting

and admitting that it might be hard to stop. Is it really possible for our message to get out

there? Or are we all just feeding the trolls in an endless cycle of ever-widening differences?

That's our conversation today on Talk Heathen.

So get out of the comments section

and into our phone lines at 512-991-9242.

Give us a call because the show is coming right now.

Thank you. because the show is coming right now. Well, welcome, everyone.

Today is April 6, 2025.

I'm your host, licensed professional counselor, Christy Powell, and joining me today is

Master Debater, Workshop Facilator facilitator and professional comedian, Sydney Davis

Jr., host of the Growing Up Funny podcast.

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