It can be scary to read about the side effects of any medicine one takes. For most of us we rely on our doctor to balance the good a medicine can do versus the potential for a harmful side effect.
Social media can produce fantastic results. One can connect with old friend, market one’s products, support your favorite team (Razorbacks), or publish long lost photos of family. There are harmful side effects as well; individuals abuse platforms to bully, shame, promote pornography, and a myriad of other harmful uses. I have struggled recently with the whether using a platform is somehow endorsing the abuses. If I take a certain medicine it doesn’t mean I endorse or welcome harmful side effects, but at the same time and with certain medicines one must be very careful not to slip into abuse from medicinal use.
Whether to participate in social media is an individual decision and free speech is worth the occasional abuse. I’d like to think my tweeting about books I’ve written or the Razorback’s recent victory is not an endorsement of the overthrow of government or exploitation. But I am not so sure anymore, and I cannot stomach the possibility that my participation somehow supports or endorses those who use social media for spewing hate or division.
I only speak for myself. No judgment is intended. Each of us must prescribe and balance social media’s usage for ourselves.
I will be closing down my Twitter account. I will keep my Facebook account for the present so I can keep up with birthdays and old friends, but I will, much like I have done after surgery, be careful with the pain medications. If I start to slip even close to the line I will have to cease Facebook as well. The Hubbell Pew will continue to be available online and anyone can email me at [email protected]. If you have any questions, drop me a note.
Leave a Reply +