Our parents tried to teach us to
lead confrontation-free lives with the cautionary advice “Never discuss
politics or religion.” But did we listen… of course not. And with the advent of
social media networks it has become easier than ever to give ourselves voice about
anything and everything.
Does anyone really change the way
someone votes in the next election? I’m sure that we can all play a part in
spreading rumors and political mudslinging, but does it really have an effect
where it actually makes a difference? I honestly believe that most people
opinionated enough to support a cause are not relying on Facebook or Twitter
for research; most people will read newspapers (hopefully several different
sources), attend political rallies, research history in library and visit a
candidate’s web-site to determine how they will vote. People who read a
Facebook post about a hot-seat item will most likely hit the LIKE button or
UN-friend the author – and then there are the FEW who will research the alleged
quotes, past behavior, and political history with an open mind.
How much power do your rants and
ravings on FaceBook really hold?
Is it a good thing that we express
ourselves in a public forum? Yes it is. Is it worth getting into an argument
online? Probably not.
In my opinion, most people voicing
their political views on Facebook have already made up their minds and aren’t
willing to discuss the issues no matter how many rationales you post to them.
Do people like to argue? I don’t think so… but arguing on-line and being the
one who started it all, now that is sense of power. Personally I like having
opinions and I like to express myself, I am after all a writer aka one who
communicates. For me reading someone else’s opposing view is a chance for education
and personal growth, it helps me understand different perspectives; however I
don’t welcome hateful speech, claims without sources, name calling or threats.
I make it known on my social media pages and blogs that I can delete AT MY
DISCRETION any commentary that if considered offensive.
How many of you participate in
political/religious/trending issues on Facebook and other social media sites?
Do you think your words have any true impact? I’d love to hear your responses.
Inspired by the article Before
You Unfriend Your Facebook Pal, There’s Something You Should Know http://madworldnews.com/unfriend-facebook-pal/
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