A recent post on the Chatham Chatlist captured how many feel the social media dialogue over politics and political positions has devolved.
Purportedly from someone named “Taylor Kish,” the post stated that the commenter began posting on the Chatham-centric message board under a fake name after a certain post led to individuals attacking him and personal information and family details “used to intimidate me and my family.”
“My post offered opinions and facts that some disagreed,” “Kish” wrote. “I was horrified to see such viciousness in the Chatham Chatlist. The few who disagreed only attacked me personally. No substantial argument was offered in response. The few who disagreed posted as much personal information as they could find to marginalize me personally as a way to intimidate me and shut me up.”
He ended the post by saying that he didn’t “trust” members of the Chatlist to “respectfully, openly discuss ideas, opinions, controversies,” partially because of how people responded to his posts.
Politics has woven itself deep into the fabric of American social media culture and continues to do so, even as Americans and some municipal candidates in Chatham County this year express doubts about its effectiveness and their weariness from its prevalence.
According to the Pew Research Center, around 46 percent of adult social media users in the U.S. say they “are worn out by how many political posts and discussions they see,” compared to 15 percent who “like seeing lots of political posts and discussions.” The survey, which was conducted this June, said those numbers shifted from 37 percent and 20 percent, respectfully, from 2016. Additionally, 68 percent of social media users say it’s generally “stressful and frustrating” to talk about politics on social media with people with whom they disagree.
In Chatham County, some candidates who have Facebook pages have sparred with voters over issues. On other digital platforms, candidates, voters and anonymous posters have leveled accusations at each other and made claims about a host of real or perceived slights.
Some of the candidates for Siler City Mayor, Pittsboro Town Commissioner and Siler City Town Commissioner told the News + Record that they have concerns about how social media can make political dialogue and conversation worse.
“My golden rule is ‘Your reputation and a good committee is the best way,’” said Curtis Brown, a candidate for the Siler City Commissioner District 3 seat. “So, I limit what I say on social media. It can sometimes make it worse. It can create impersonal malicious behavior and no need for civility when you’re not looking someone in the eye. There’s no responsibility.”
Pittsboro commissioner candidate Bridget Perry, who does not have a campaign social media page, said the medium can improve dialogue but “just as easily make it worse.”
“Comments on social media can be easily misconstrued,” Perry said, “and intent is more difficult to convey and interpret in a back and forth written exchange than it is in a face-to-face exchange.”
Fellow Pittsboro candidate Kyle Shipp agreed, saying “social media is no replacement for face-to-face interactions or a phone call.”
Many of the candidates who shared their thoughts said social media platforms can be both a boon to political conversation but also damaging
Pittsboro Commissioner John Bonitz said he tries to “promote more high quality information and urge people to actually think rather than just react,” while Siler City Mayor John Grimes said all should “aspire” to “respectful exchanges” on the platforms. Fellow Siler City mayoral candidates Jackie Adams and Albert Reddick feel similarly; Adams says that “knowledge is key” in using it “wisely,” and Reddick said candidates “should be careful about what they say and be respectable to everyone.”
Pittsboro commissioner candidate Heather Johnson, a frequent writer and subject of posts on the Chatlist, spoke about the positive aspects of social media.
“I absolutely feel that social media presence improves the campaign dialogue,” she said. “I use my page to inform voters about when and where they can attend meetings. I also use Facebook videos without scripts to share my platform so that voters can see that these are my authentic positions.”
It appears that many see social media as a mixed bag — both as a tool for positive conversation and community education but also as a platform for unhelpful disagreement. Siler City commissioner candidate Timothy “Cookie” Brown seemed to summarize what many candidates feel.
“I use social media because it’s cheaper and it reaches a lot of people,” he said. “If social media is used correctly it’s a huge boost for your campaign — for example, using it to get out your views, staying positive on what you bring to the community, and not just saying what your opponents can’t do or haven’t accomplished.”
Reporter Zachary Horner can be reached at zhorner@chathamnr.com or on Twitter at @ZachHornerCNR.