And they gave us a box of matches…
In August of this year, 3 primary school-aged girls were stabbed in Southport England. Social media, the source of all wisdom and fount of all knowledge, told us that the perpetrator was of a particular ethnic origin and practised a particular faith. Social media also gave out his name. All three bits of information were completely wrong. But the rioting began and more lives were mushed.
I always swore that I would never have a relationship with social media, but then COVID happened and I was dragged yelling at the top of my lungs, into the world of the screen. It took me cups of tea, double choc Tim Tams and countless hours in front of the flickering light of the Computer to work it all out. I even engaged the help of local friendly geeky people to come to my aid. They were swift, patient and kind.
I learnt that social media can be used for great good. In fact, some of you right now might be reading this on a social media platform. I shall always be grateful for allowing the screen to get the message out there.
Some people meet on social media and form long-lasting, happy healthy relationships which bring them great joy. They annoy and enrich each other over many years.
But sometimes this platform can be hijacked to perpetuate falsehood and cause undue harm and hurt. Just ask the Merseyside police and then ask their loved ones about the unseen cost to those on the front line.
Sometimes I compare social media to a box of matches. Here you go. Here is the equipment for light, cooking and warmth. It’s going to be great. You’ll love it. It will change the way you live. It will change the world. And it did.