In a commentary, SMU Professor of Communication Management (Education) Ong Siow Heng and SMU Assistant Professor of Law Benjamin Joshua Ong discussed how the divided responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict showcase a common phenomenon of people viewing complex situations in black-and-white terms. They cautioned about the potential impacts of simplified decisions, and urged people not to rush to take sides on complex issues, but instead maintain social peace as a public good by staying vigilant against disinformation, divisive thoughts and actions.