Opinion: The Controversies of Social Media

Social media can be misused by celebrities and politicians (Handout photo)

By Sarai S.,7th Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation 

Social media provides an outlet for communication and keeping up with the world. It can be used for fun and for friendly interaction, but it also can be misused. Politicians and celebrities sometimes share their opinions and thoughts on social media platforms where they can be read by millions around the world. If a child looks up to one of these famous people and if that celebrity is setting a poor example that child will be negatively affected by those sentiments. Should politicians and celebrities be held responsible for their effects on fans and supporters?  Kristen Wavle, counselor at Krieger Schechter Day School, thinks so. 

“I think you have to realize that your behavior, whatever it is, has the ability to impact someone else,” she says. “No matter who you are, a person, and especially one in the public eye, should be responsible for their impact on others. Celebrities are role models whether or not they want to be.”

For example, a 2017 tweet by President Donald Trump read, “Sorry, losers and haters, but my IQ is one of the highest, and you will know it. Please do not feel stupid or insecure. It’s not your fault.”

Francesca P., a seventh grade student at KSDS, was embarrassed and upset that her president was tweeting this to the world. She said, “It makes me feel bad because first of all, he’s the president. He’s bragging about his IQ and calling everyone else losers and haters; it just seems very immature and very un-presidential. He’s representing America. What are other countries going to think when they read this?” 

President Trump has many controversial ties to the media. According to CNN, 13 bombs were sent to different news sources that were critical of Trump’s policies. The man who sent them in 2015 had many right-wing social media accounts supporting the president and insulting minorities as well as Democrats. He also displayed stickers on his car that echoed some of the president’s sentiments, such as: “CNN sucks.” The man pleaded guilty to sending the bombs in March and will go on trial this summer.

After the attempted bombings in October, Trump responded by saying, “Political violence must never, ever be allowed in America. And I will do everything in my power to stop it.” Even though Trump said this, he seems to promote political violence in his tweets. When he was elected, right wing and often mentally unstable people were fueled to attack and act upon Trump’s dangerous words. Trump’s tweets and actions can be interpreted in many different ways, and with a controversial message, people can act violently using Trump as a defense. 

Should there be boundaries and limitations on what a president or celebrity can post freely as opposed to what an everyday teenager posts? Wavel does not think so. “I think that there is no difference between what is acceptable for a president, celebrity, or teenager when it comes to online public communication. However, because a teenager’s brain is not fully developed and there’s less impulse control, we expect them to sometimes make bad decisions; however, for a president to post something like that, it’s inexcusable. Presidents have speech writers for a reason, to help them find the best words to help them look the most professional. I do not think that he (President Trump) looks professional in doing things like that. It doesn’t in any way, shape, or form make me want to respect someone who tweets that way.”

The opinions of people who have celebrity-like status go a long way. That kind of power and control can be manipulated, especially in the media. The way people appear online can follow them to their real lives, especially in the lives of the famous. The current president has said numerous controversial things on his social media accounts that have followed him to his personal and work life. It has not just affected him, but our country as a whole. Boundaries are important to protect when someone is of a high status. 

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