Keeping a check on social media
By DEAN LAWSON
We are still coming to grips with the power people can wield by using social media to promote messages, causes, ideas and concepts.
It seems there is limitless scope in using this medium.
At one end of the scale it can be a conduit for harmless conversation, banter and imagery between friends. At the other it can be a weapon to promote evil fundamentalist or reactionary ideology.
It is disappointing but far from surprising that we’re seeing people fuelled by questionable motivations using the vague regulating processes of social media to influence community sentiment in the Wimmera-Mallee.
Many of us dealing with and working in the various forms of media and with an understanding of the difference between free speech and serious trouble making have been cringing at some of the social-media posts or sites making the rounds.
A site calling for a stop to the development of a mosque in Ararat, regardless of the community giving the project a resounding thumbs-up through a planning process, has been one.
Another site is set on sharing information about the whereabouts of police in the region, supposedly with intent on helping motorists who might be doing the wrong thing to avoid getting caught.
To suggest there is something ‘not quite right’ in this evolving scenario is an understatement.
- Get the full story in the January 28, 2015 edition of The Weekly Advertiser.
READ IT ONLINE HERE!
Short URL: http://www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/?p=24423
Posted on Jan 28 2015
Posted by Weekly Advertiser
on Jan 28 2015. Filed under Opinion.
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