OUR NATION…divided.

Through the "Divide" and back, it's time to take a journey through America's mental health

Photo taken by MJ Johnson

I had long visualized this day. I often imagined myself on stage, microphone in hand, explaining my Master's thesis project, "This American Divide." This project, which explored societal polarization through social media, was the culmination of my academic journey. My recently recovered body felt weak from a bout of stomach flu. Facing a potentially hostile crowd meant an uphill battle.

However, the presentation went well for the audience in attendance. I guided the audience through a year of research, including interviews with psychologists and professors and original photography from New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, including a protest when Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Photo taken by Armon Owlia

The voice cloning of a Nixon advisor, a technique rarely used in journalism, caused controversy at the J-School. Some questioned my ethics despite professors recognizing its potential. The QAnon survivor interview—the most exciting chess match of my career—broadened my horizons by challenging my views.

I made multiple predictions, including the fate of Twitter, Supreme Court actions against tech companies, and changes to laws like Section 230. All came true, showing the connection between social media, culture, and polarization.

Confident in the series' potential, I announced a second season, set for May 2024, focusing on voting and its impact on polarization. But it never materialized.