“Dear Editor,
Recently, there’s been a considerable amount of deliberation about how we can adjust or control our interactions on social media platforms. Social networking is a comparatively novel concept, and we are still wrestling with its numerous hazards.
Older methods of social communication also have their share of troubles, but there is much to appreciate about them. The implicit ethical code that controls our face-to-face communications has evolved over thousands of years. This deep-rooted wisdom is beautifully encapsulated by Robert Frost in his poem The Star-Splitter. The narrative voice in this verse expresses the reasoning of his rural community for not excommunicating Bradford, suspected of arson for apparent insurance fraud and to finance a telescope: “If one by one we counted people out/For the least sin, it wouldn’t take us long/To get so we had no one left to live with.”
Bradford’s activity might appear to be a petty sin magnified, but the fundamental values of acknowledging others’ flaws and embracing diversity or perceived eccentricities deserve commendation. The narrator of the poem may disapprove and fail to comprehend, but he accepts the offense nonetheless, concluding that, “…to be social is to be forgiving”.
The rise of smartphones and social media has created an environment where these principles are frequently discarded. There’s no longer the fear of exhausting our connections. If we eliminate thousands, there are still millions left. In the seemingly never-ending void of internet space, there’s no fertile ground for empathy to grow. Individuals appear to be more abundant, less tangible, and easily discarded. Socializing on these platforms too often morphs into a competition of self-righteousness, where users score points using measurements like ‘likes’, ‘views’, or follower count.
The use of malice and venom has proven beneficial in attracting attention and, sadly, many resort to hurling the worst insults at strangers they will never physically meet in this hectic and occasionally ruthless social environment.”
Despite the narrator in Frost’s tale perceiving Bradford as ignominious and asinine, he chooses to overlook his eccentric desire for a telescope, even accompanying him for a friendly night of stargazing. Their discussion, unearthing their deepest thoughts until dawn, birthed some of their most profound conversations.
Social networks have the immense capacity to advance global communication exponentially, beneficial in a realm where the majority of challenges are universal. They can serve as a crucial instrument in dealing with current obstacles. However, understanding these platforms and excelling in their use is paramount. The traditional methods are becoming irrelevant; evolving with the changing times is necessary.
Yet, undertaking this change should be approached with caution. Valuable lessons and insights from our history can guide us. – Yours sincerely,
COLIN WALSH,
From Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.