1. "The human mind avoids nothing as much as thinking." -- Unknown, quoted by my dad
2. "We used to agree on the facts, and than argue about what do do. Now we simple disagree on the facts" -- Friend of Mine
3. "The quickest way to release stress hormones from the brain, unfortunately, is to 'beat' up someone else." -- My therapist
(1) Leads to humans always gravitating towards an explanation that reliefs them from thinking. Simple, short, populist messages are perfect for that.
(2) Has us end discussions before we even get to talk about what to do.
(3) Has us make feel good when we can "beat" up someone else on social media.
IMHO, it is bringing these three together in social media, and more importantly doing so mostly subconsciously, that makes this so toxic.
Edit: Layout