If you are wondering how America got to this point, you might want to check out your social media. If you do these things, you are part of the problem:

1. Use as many talking points, buzzwords and insinuations as possible

It doesn’t matter that what you said isn’t actually on topic or coherent. Public forums shouldn’t be bogged down by critical thinking and the exchange of ideas. Your job on social media is to be a vessel for political strategists.

2. Attack strangers personally

This may seem like an oxymoron, but it’s really best to not address someone’s argument or presentation of evidence. Call them a “cuck,” “snowflake” or “fascist” instead.

3. Have selective empathy

You are a complicated person that should be understood in context. Anyone who thinks different than you is a simplistic monster. Also be sure to hate “political correctness” until you are the target.

4. Use false equivalencies

Did one person do something wrong one time? Use this to change the subject and justify any behavior you like. Remember, any moral code is based on the principle that if someone does something, you should do it too, even if you object to someone else doing that same thing in the first place.

5. Deny easily observable phenomena

Someone may be engaging in behavior that is by definition sexist, racist, homophobic or xenophobic, but be sure to deny that these things exist. In fact, the truly hateful people are those working for equality. You wouldn’t trade places for a second with immigrants or impoverished urban minorities/rural whites, but be sure to talk about how they have it easier than other people. Also, deny basic science when it’s politically convenient, but take advantage of the progress it provides on a daily basis.

6. Block anyone who thinks differently than you do

Rather than attempting to engage with your neighbors and trying to find some common ground with them, just pretend they don’t exist. This is an act of courage and won’t lead to any surprises come election time. In fact, it’s pretty healthy to ignore anyone who doesn’t share your exact worldview. Any strong democracy is built on the bedrock of having a population that chooses to live in entirely different realities.

7. Relentlessly post articles from dubious sources

Remember, there is nothing suspicious about your favorite website routinely breaking huge stories that major newspapers seem to keep missing. Your website is just that good. Some guy in his basement has information that Pulitzer Prize winning publications do not. I don’t know how he does it, but it’s certainly not worth looking into before you share his agenda with the world.

8. Have a meme for everything

Politics are uncomplicated. Any issue can be fairly summarized by two images and one hundred characters.

9. Use only blanket statements

All police officers are bad. All protesters for sensible police reform are cop killers. Got it?

10. Be snarky

People love it when bloggers critique them in sarcastic lists. It doesn’t undermine your argument at all.