Social media used to be a platform where users “exposed” personal details. Some believed it necessary to share the small things of their daily lives. They could be called “the good times” when compared to the evolution of social media.

Today, platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become echo chambers for espousing political views – and where there is all too often an absence of civility for those with differing opinions.

Craig Barkacs (professor of business law in the Master in Executive Leadership Programs and MBA Programs at Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego) said, “On the subject of politics, the social media is where civility & decorum go to the death.”

The problem is partly due to our ingrained tendency to share too much on social media. This sharing only has recently moved to politics. Furthermore, these platforms promote this kind of interaction.

It’s anonymous. So why not share any thoughts that come to your mind? James Bailey from the George Washington University School of Business, said that it feels therapeutic.

Social media can be seen as a digital copy of “soap box” pundits who first appeared in 1870s London at Speakers Corner. There, many would meet to discuss politics and religion.

“The Unhinged Preached Their Political Gospels.” Bailey said that some people listened and others didn’t. “But that didn’t stop those crusaders – righteous or not – from taking the stage. As such, the social media platforms of today are perfect for actors who want to remain anonymous and return home.

Impolite Company

It was not common for people to talk about politics or other hot topics in polite company. However, this may no longer be an issue today as many people are not very polite when using social media.

This is compounded by the fact every social media voice carries the potential weight to be a pundit. Meanwhile, elected officials are increasingly relying on these platforms to hear what the people have to say.

The problem with social media echo chambers isn’t whether they are. According to Anne Washington (assistant professor of data policy in NYU Steinhardt’s Online EdD program), the problem lies with politicians listening to social media. It is simple to analyse, but it can be difficult to interpret.”

However, many of the sentiments expressed on social media are not correlated with real voters. Washington suggested that a politician who listens to social media can be likened to someone trying to hear the person at the next table. The most powerful voices are those that carry the greatest weight.

She said that social media was not intended to allow politicians to hear all their constituents. Geography, while not as important in the Internet, is vital for representational democracy. Political leaders …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

Author: Aaron