Journalism before social media wasn't exempt from propaganda or biased selective reporting, disinformation and misinformation. Most people do not verify the validity of the source and aren't receptive to opposing news sources. Checking both sides of the coin, so to speak.

Social media is even more so susceptible to this, since the younger generations are generally less likely to follow real journalism and predominately get their news from social media platforms.

There are so many beloved influencers that fake medical conditions to garner sympathy and attention spreading misinformation in the process. Many indulge in fake news or even propaganda for personal gain, without proper due diligence or attempt maintaining impartiality.

That said, in the right hands social media is a powerful tool with the capability of holding news stations accountable and for openly critique them when they deviate from factual news to political agenda.

If you cut ties of genuine friendships, your government was successful in inciting approval and support in their venture for senseless violence. People in positions of power know how vital public approval is and how beneficial it is when the masses have become complacent since it reduces the chances of protests.

Take the Vietnam War for example, the returning soldiers were not welcomed home with the traditional parades and hailed as heroes. Instead they were met with indifference and even hostility. When the citizens should have directed their anger towards the government responsible for the war. And what did the U.S. government do? They let the soldiers become the scapegoats, chose not to defend them or support them. A stark contrast to the Korean War, were soldiers received a similar welcome to the one they got following the World War II.