LETTER: Is Social Media Good for Democracy?

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Harleysville resident Matt Helfrich. Letters to the editor are not written by Patch reporters and never reflect the opinions of Patch or its employees. To submit a letter to the editor, please email justin.heinze@patch.com.

A recent poll indicates that 60 percent of American adults have social media accounts. While technology is providing a voice to many Americans who did not have one 15 years ago, is social media good for democracy?

Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter provide Americans with a simple and convenient way to express their opinion, especially on political and social issues. 30 years ago, our connection to our friends, family, and elected representatives was limited to mailing a letter, making a phone call, or meeting in person. Today, we can reach our representatives through social media in a manner of minutes and many times express our opinions in 140 characters or less. Facebook allows us to communicate with hundreds or thousands of friends and family at one time to share pictures, coordinate charity events and advocacy efforts, and even to express our opinions on political and policy matters. Much of the advocacy and charity work my friends and I do in the War on Cancer is done through Facebook and Twitter.

However, the American public as a whole needs to adapt to a new level of democracy in which social media allows everyone, regardless of wealth, race or creed, to share their opinion in the public space. Differing opinions are hotly contested on Facebook and, in many cases, gives us insight into our friends and families' political opinions. Prior to the social media "explosion", these political opinions were usually kept within the confines of one's home and the only way to make your views known publicly was limited to a letter to the editor or an organized march or protest. The ease in which we can express our opinions today has created a level of divisiveness in our country that has not been present since the Vietnam War. Can America move forward and find enough common ground to address the challenges of the 21st century, despite growing tension that has only been inflamed by social media outlets? I believe we can.

Our most cherished American ideal is the Freedom of Speech. We simply have to mature as a nation and learn to respect others opinions, even if we don't agree with them. An important part of this "maturation" process and adapting to a more open forum - made available through social media - is to express our beliefs honestly and respectfully. We can voice our opposition to a particular policy, opinion, or political leader without calling them names with four letter expletives. We can critique protesters and the nature of their protest without claiming they are "un-American" or have no respect for our Armed Services. America may have its flaws, but each generation of Americans has fought for the right to express their opinions without fear of being thrown in a concentration camp or the gulag. We must continue to be a nation of people who feel free to express our opinions and views, and do so in a respectful way towards those with differing views. It's time to grow up, America.

-Matt Helfrich, Harleysville

Patch file photo