Having watched the entirety of TNG at least 3 times, I would argue that Data is in the main character of the whole series, which at its core is trying to explore his essential question: what does it mean to be human?

I would much rather they have gone the other way and to just include more diseases and vectors to catch them, but I know I'm probably not in the majority.
I added these myself and spells like purify food and drink or less a restoration have become super important in my games.

I think this is likely true of any social media. Because human psychology naturally drives us in this direction. Which isn't to say it's hopeless, just to say we have to actively work against our innate impulses as a species. For our own good.

My dad let me stay up late sometimes and watch it with him. That is probably a huge part of why I'm so progressive. Curiously, even though he's the one that introduced me to the series and loved watching it on his own, he is somehow incredibly right wing. I don't get it.

As an only child who grew up with workaholic parents, I 100% feel this.