I don’t fear the younger generation at all. I work with them daily and mentor several young writers who are part of it. but there has also never been a time in history when it’s been more essential that an equivalent critical mass come alongside them and 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 teach them how to spot lies.

and in this brave new technological world we’re entering with the rise of generative AI, just imagine the damage a critical mass of purity culture thinking amidst a demographic who is systematically undereducated on discerning truth from fabrication can do to cultural values like equity and respect.

and It’s already paying dividends. it seems like especially when washed of the veneer of religion, purity culture 2.0 has radicalized and weaponized cancel culture even more than it was—cancelling not just people, now, but things like works of fiction that teach young people how to think critically.