When Social Energy Abounds, It Becomes Fragmented

In recent times, our public space—which moves within an increasingly rapid flow of information—has once again shown an easily recognisable pattern. One statement sparks widespread debate. Criticism is met with harsh reactions. Differences in views quickly harden into opposing positions. In a short time, the conversation spreads, emotions intensify, and social boundaries feel increasingly firm. This pattern appears in various issues that come and go—from debates on policies such as the nutritious meal programme, law enforcement through sting operations, to serious accusations like treason or sexual harassment cases. Even initiatives intended to strengthen social harmony often trigger new debates. Issues come and go, but the response pattern remains relatively the same. What stands out is that this dynamic quickly subsides and is soon replaced by another issue. Our problem is not a lack of social energy. On the contrary, we live in a society rich in expression, participation, and engagement. Differences in views emerge easily, and the public space is filled with diverse voices. However, this abundance does not automatically become collective strength. It more often appears as reactions that reinforce distance from one another, rather than as dialogue that brings people together. In my previous writing, I emphasised the importance of managing criticism as constructive energy. Criticism is fundamentally a corrective mechanism. But in practice, criticism is too quickly read as an attack. Differences of opinion are no longer positioned as spaces for learning, but as positions that must be defended. This is where we face a deeper symptom. What is happening is not merely momentary clamour, but a reflection of abundant social energy that has not yet been managed. To a certain extent, this condition can be read as the ‘curse of social resources’—when the wealth of relations, identities, and expressions no longer acts as a binder, but moves in opposition to each other. This symptom is evident in the increasing sensitivity to differences. Things that could previously be negotiated now easily trigger excessive responses.