The Danger of Social Media Silos

                The purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk has set off a “great resignation” as many on the left are announcing their departure from the site, heading off to other sites such as Mastodon and Tribel. This follows those on the right side of the ledger to leave Twitter and Facebook for Donald Trump’s Truth Social and other far-right sites. When we do this, we’re able to escape the often painful “conversations” with those who disagree with us. For some, whose public profile is much larger than mine, decisions to depart from sites that lead to trolls and other forms of abuse are understandable. I don’t have that kind of traffic, so I don’t have too many folks trolling me on any of the sites I’m on.

Before I go further, I need to note that the purchase of Twitter and the subsequent issues that have arisen may lead to its demise, necessitating finding new avenues to share information. It does appear that Musk's decisions/leadership of Twitter has undermined a site that was already struggling financially. I could dive deeper into that, but that's not my point here, which is my concern about heading off to silos where we hear only voices like our own.

While those with a higher profile have their reasons to perhaps leave, I'd like to speak to those who like me have a lower profile. There is a danger in creating spaces where we only encounter like-minded folks. We can develop forms of group thinking, reinforcing our pre-existing opinions. We’ve already seen this on cable TV. Half the people watch Fox and the other half MSNBC. We hear what we want to hear. I signed up for Tribel (@drbobcornwall), just to see what it’s like. So far, I’m not impressed. I'll stay on for now, simply because I may need it later. However, at this point, there's not much there except (at least on the Christianity site) a lot of angry posts, especially when it comes to religion. 

Facebook and Twitter are two sites that have provided a wider space. It’s not always pretty. I’ve witnessed long-time friends spread disinformation. Trying to correct their positions doesn’t go well. However, I can and do share an alternative message that might gain a hearing. If we all leave such spaces, then what is left? We may feel better about ourselves because we’ve said no to Elon Musk, but what have accomplished in reality?

I'd like my friends, especially those on the left side of center, to consider staying on Twitter. You may want to ignore or not engage with those who spread messages that are untoward or you disagree with. We can share a different message, and do it in a way that might gain a hearing. I realize that too often the loudest voices in the room get heard, but there is virtue in slow and steady. 

 Now, I wish Elon Musk had never purchased Twitter. He's not done the site any favors. Unfortunately, he owns it for now. He may well kill it. While that may be true, perhaps if we stay on we can try spreading a positive message, while staying open to conversations with those with whom we disagree. We may even find points of agreement, perhaps not often, but occasionally. That may provide a foundation for a more fruitful conversation, one that contributes to the betterment of society.  Of course, if you decide to leave, I hope you'll continue reading this blog. You can do that by subscribing. That way you  can help me get the message out that together we can make the world a better place!