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Research indicates that [[Atheism|atheists]] are widely distrusted - even among atheists themselves (see: [[Distrust of atheists]]).  

Research indicates that [[Atheism|atheists]] are widely distrusted - even among atheists themselves (see: [[Distrust of atheists]]).  

The [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Sam Harris]] said concerning the label of atheist, "It's right next to child molester as a designation."<ref name="Harris">Roberts, Jessica, et al. (June 19, 2007).  [http://news21.com/story/2007/06/19/interview_with_an_atheist "Interview with an atheist"].  News21.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref><ref name="NEWSWEEK Poll: 90% Believe in God">[http://www.newsweek.com/newsweek-poll-90-believe-god-97611 NEWSWEEK Poll: 90% Believe in God], ''Newsweek'' 2007</ref> See also: [[Views on atheists]]

The [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Sam Harris]] said concerning the label of atheist, "It's right next to child molester as a designation."<ref name="Harris"/><ref name="NEWSWEEK Poll: 90% Believe in God"/> See also: [[Views on atheists]]

''Psychology Today'' reports about [[social media]]:

''Psychology Today'' reports about [[social media]]:

Karen Garst wrote in her book ''Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion'': "...people stopped talking to me, and some even unfriended me on social media."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=jyABDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT95&lpg=PT95&dq=social+media+atheists+unfriended&source=bl&ots=HMYPP5KgLV&sig=bq9ubK3tfyD3IHXwy56NIj_u_xc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjY25f_rPzTAhVhqlQKHbTSBWUQ6AEIWDAJ#v=onepage&q=social%20media%20atheists%20unfriended&f=false ''Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion''] by Karen Garst, 2016</ref>

Karen Garst wrote in her book ''Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion'': "...people stopped talking to me, and some even unfriended me on social media."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=jyABDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT95&lpg=PT95&dq=social+media+atheists+unfriended&source=bl&ots=HMYPP5KgLV&sig=bq9ubK3tfyD3IHXwy56NIj_u_xc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjY25f_rPzTAhVhqlQKHbTSBWUQ6AEIWDAJ#v=onepage&q=social%20media%20atheists%20unfriended&f=false ''Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion''] by Karen Garst, 2016</ref>

Although atheists are unfriended at social media due to their atheism/[[militant atheism]], many also block others on social media. Politically, most atheists lean to the [[Leftism|left]] politically (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]. A Pew Research study found that “consistent [[liberal]]s” were most likely to block others on [[social media]] for disagreeing with them politically.<ref>[http://hotair.com/archives/2014/10/21/pew-survey-consistent-liberals-most-likely-to-block-others-on-social-media-for-disagreeing-with-them-politically/ Pew survey: “Consistent liberals” most likely to block others on social media for disagreeing with them politically]</ref>

Although atheists are unfriended at social media due to their atheism/[[militant atheism]], many also block others on social media. Politically, most atheists lean to the [[Leftism|left]] politically (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]). A Pew Research study found that “consistent [[liberal]]s” were most likely to block others on [[social media]] for disagreeing with them politically.<ref>[http://hotair.com/archives/2014/10/21/pew-survey-consistent-liberals-most-likely-to-block-others-on-social-media-for-disagreeing-with-them-politically/ Pew survey: “Consistent liberals” most likely to block others on social media for disagreeing with them politically]</ref>

''See also:'' [[Atheism and happiness]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Internet atheism]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and happiness]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Internet atheism]]

[[File:Twitter bird logo 2012.svg.png|left|160px|thumbnail|CNN reported that Christians are happier than atheists - on Twitter.<ref>[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/28/christians-happier-than-atheists-at-least-on-twitter/  Christians happier than atheists – on Twitter], CNN</ref> ]]

[[File:Twitter bird logo 2012.svg.png|left|160px|thumbnail|CNN reported that Christians are happier than atheists - on Twitter.<ref name="religion.blogs.cnn.com">[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/28/christians-happier-than-atheists-at-least-on-twitter/  Christians happier than atheists – on Twitter], CNN</ref> ]]

People generally want to socialize with happy people rather than those who have a general disposition of unhappiness.  

People generally want to socialize with happy people rather than those who have a general disposition of unhappiness.  

In the case of atheists, the five followed feeds included [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], Monica Salcedo and Michael Shermer - the latter two respectively being a self-described “fiercely outspoken atheist” blogger, and a science writer who founded The Skeptics Society.

In the case of atheists, the five followed feeds included [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], Monica Salcedo and Michael Shermer - the latter two respectively being a self-described “fiercely outspoken atheist” blogger, and a science writer who founded The Skeptics Society.

With the help of a text analysis program, the researchers found that Christians tweet with higher frequency words reflecting positive emotions, social relationships and an intuitive style of thinking – the sort that’s gut-driven.<ref>[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/28/christians-happier-than-atheists-at-least-on-twitter/  Christians happier than atheists – on Twitter], CNN</ref>}}

With the help of a text analysis program, the researchers found that Christians tweet with higher frequency words reflecting positive emotions, social relationships and an intuitive style of thinking – the sort that’s gut-driven.<ref name="religion.blogs.cnn.com">[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/28/christians-happier-than-atheists-at-least-on-twitter/  Christians happier than atheists – on Twitter], CNN</ref>}}

== Richard Dawkins, social media and loss of public influence ==

== Richard Dawkins, social media and loss of public influence ==

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[[Category: Atheism]]

[[Category:Atheism]]