I just cleaned out some followers from my Facebook and Twitter accounts. We are close to a federal election in Canada and the 'noise' on two of my favouite social media websites is too much. It's like the worst of talk radio constantly playing. One side playing gotcha, then the other, then a third, fourth and fifth. Rarely do these comments have anything to do with policy or ideas. It's usually petty, shrill and full of vitriol. All sides using fear, all sides chiding. Turn it off.
Recently I watched the Nixon - Kennedy debate of 1960 on another of my favourite websites, YouTube. It was fascinating. What was striking was the civility. The media questions were thoughtful and well researched. The answers from both candidates were excellent. Kennedy was smooth and well rehearsed but not as much of an actor or a television natural as later accounts suggested. He did have great hair, even in black and white. Nixon was a bit awkward but also well-expressed and not nearly as outclassed as I thought he would be. In fairness, our recent debate was quite enjoyable and for that I give credit to the format and to Steve Paikin, one of the best journalists in Canada.
Yes, sorry to any of those who are offended that I no longer follow you. I think Twitter and Facebook are excellent vehicles for the exchange of ideas. But it would be nice if the discourse was elevated. We are lucky to live in London, Ontario where three quality people represent the three main parties. It would be easy to vote for any of them, regardless of the party affiliations. It's not that they aren't critical of each other, but it's easy to see that all three are intelligent and put their hearts in their work. We should follow their lead when we head into the social media world.
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