The internet is an immense database encompassing everything that our society entails. It provides an abundance of knowledge and opportunities for interaction. However, due to the vast number of options available, it can sometimes overwhelm users with more information than they can process. There is nothing inherently wrong with having an endless source of information; in fact, it is incredibly useful. Nevertheless, it can also distract people from the specific type of learning they are seeking. One of the most ambiguous aspects of the internet is the multitude of opinions shared on various topics. While it is wonderful that individuals can express their viewpoints, these opinions often distort reality for many users, particularly social media consumers, where much of human interaction takes place. This is where the concept of "noise" comes into play. Noise refers to irrelevant or unimportant data that distracts people from true knowledge. Despite this, many individuals believe such information is useful and accept it as true. This phenomenon can lead to harmful consequences, such as the spread of fake news. Is this noise inherently evil? It can be, especially when it persuades people to believe in harmful ideas, such as the notion that being misogynistic makes someone a better man. How can this be stopped? There is no definitive answer, as, ultimately, everyone is free to choose what they consume on the internet. The responsibility lies with us to distinguish between what is true and what is merely noise. I chose What If...? as my Marvel reference because it introduces an omnipresent being called The Watcher, who observes everything happening across the multiverse without interfering with its fate. This concept of infinite possibilities highlights the independence of each universe, where no single event truly matters in the grand scheme, as it is just one of countless potential destinies. This idea can also be compared to how we act as "watchers" when engaging with social media, observing the lives of many others that have little to no direct connection to our own.
