Dan Messersmith

ENG 230
Response #3
7 March 2021

“How Twitter is Ruining America” is an article that discusses the use of social media by political
figures. It questions the ethics of filter-lacking direct communication by examining a report from
the Committee to Protect Journalists. This report states that certain politicians and their
administrations strive to distance themselves from news media entirely, and prefer to
communicate directly with constituents. Direct communication from a political entity negates the
concept of independent reporting. Multiple points in this article support this statement along with
a discussion over the inherent bias of politicians using social media. The writer states that
politicians have always surrounded themselves with their supporters, but the immediacy of
social media as a political tool allows for further separation of political alignment. The writer uses
a source to state that politicians must feel akin to a contestant on ​American Idol​ rather than
statesmen.

This article furthers the concept that political bifurcation allows for a heightened sense of
hostility between parties. As users on either end of the political hierarchy feed into the stream of
content, they tune into positive feedback, and tune out negative feedback. News that is not
charged by a certain agenda becomes increasingly harder to find as independent reporting is
left in the shadows. Direct communication from politicians is often taken as gospel as the
audience goes on to agree or disagree with a statement. The immediacy of social media and
the celebrity status of certain politicians all contribute to the division of parties. When these
topics are discussed, I always think of politically active people in my friends lists and how they
share online. I aim to reach compromises and to search out for the truth when I am online - but
it is incredibly enticing to sink into an ideology and confirm my bias while disregarding any
counter arguments. I believe there is a difference between ignorance and bigotry, and it is often
clear to see which is which. When I encounter news that is obviously biased and politically
charged, I sometimes think of the old biblical quote - “Forgive them, for they do not know what
they are doing.” This is because some people are simply believing content that is not
fact-checked or accurate in any sense. They see something, agree with the statement, and go
on to share it. Other times, it is clear to see that a person is actively forgoing facts, inflating
certain topics, and ignoring any attempt to understand opposing opinions. Politicians use the
bullhorn to militarize their agenda, please their fans, and demonize their opponents. We then
have to wonder who is at fault for the echo chamber - ourselves, the politicians, or the platforms
that we use on a daily basis?