Chapter 13, Problem 1RA-P412

Summary Introduction

Introduction

I do use social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to respond to political ideas. Mills suggested that media industries are only effective when people can respond to stories and opinions with their own ideas. Social media does allow people to comment on stories, though many of these comments are devoted to trolling rather than an honest discussion of an issue. While social media could be an amazing forum in which to share ideas and debate with those who have different perspectives, it often devolves into counterproductive name-calling, bullying, and trolling that serves no constructive purpose.

Explanation of Solution

Answer and explanation

(This question requires a subjective response, and this is an example.)

Facebook and Twitter make it easy to respond to political and economic stories by sharing them, and/or commenting on them. Like many people, I use these platforms to disseminate my opinions and comment on those of others. Mills argued that media like printed newspapers are do not inspire critical thinking because people cannot respond easily to them. A person could write a letter to the editor of a newspaper, but it may or may not be addressed, and only after the time it took to write, mail, be read and analyzed. Social media makes responding much faster and easier, since most outlets allow comments. his does not always lend itself to critical thinking, however, since most sites allow anonymous comments. Many are in the form of trolling, or purposeful incitement of resentments or hatred, rather than carefully crafted responses to the issue at hand.