Never been there. Didn't miss a thing.
@drew-r?ÿ The problem with that article is that the author asserts numerous times that Facebook is a threat to democracy, but offers no further explication of that idea. She seems to expect the reader to accept that view without offering any details. Yes, I know that the Russians got creative on Facebook in trying to manipulate American public opinion during a recent election cycle or two, but how is that different from books, movies, talk shows, and other forms of media crafted to influence us?
I think the biggest problem with FB is the degree and speed with which misinformation spreads is much greater than many other forms of media.
@peter-lothian I could see that. My experience tells me that Facebook is different in the way it presents information and gives voice to the loud and numerous over the informed. So I can say that I relate to some of what is said on an experiential level. I'm not sure that I need further explanation as to how FB threatens democracy; I can see it. Certainly, other forms of media have done this throughout the ages though, no doubt there. FB just ups the ante on it and can easily hide behind its own definition of freedom. I think the point I see is that FB and social media, in general, is different from books, tv, shows, etc. because of how widespread and fast it is.?ÿ
Then again, forums like this are the only "social media" I participate in so FB is a rather abstract talking point for me. I just found the article thought provoking.?ÿ
This site is one of my major news sources.?ÿ Many times my wife has said to me, "Did you hear about..........." and my response is that I had learned that here.
Several years ago I tuned in to this site at a random time and saw a post had been added at something like 8 seconds ago.?ÿ It was one of our New Zealand friends reporting he was experiencing an earthquake while posting which turned out to be a very large earthquake in the Christchurch area.?ÿ Now, that is very fast news reporting to the far side of the Earth.
