Social Media and Public Opinion

I have heard people say that social media - like Twitter and  Facebook - actually has the power to shape public opinion. I think of these apps as toys -- a mere distraction for people with a smartphone and too much time on their hands.   

I believe there is a huge difference between being entertained and being informed.  Social media is primarily designed to be entertaining.  I fully acknowledge that there are many posters on Facebook who think they are advancing an agenda by "sharing" information that they feel is vital.  But these folks are largely deluding themselves into believing that others are in fact  buying their point of view.

In Facebook and Twitter you really never know who is reading your stuff.  I am convinced that I am not the only one who quietly "hides" the posts of people who habitually abuse their "friends" by bombarding them with repetitious affirmations of zeal - whether it is constant blathering about Climate change, Biblical quotations, or political rants, they are all mere expressions of faith being preached to an agreeable choir of fellow believers.  

I am not decrying FB posts because they are empty, entertaining or ephemeral.  My charge is that they do not shape public opinion. When was the last time you learned something on Facebook that changed your beliefs ? 

Social media is a ME medium.  Because everyone needs to know what you are doing and thinking every minute.  Me. Me. Me. 

Where else can a person of average writing skills communicate such vital thoughts, as : 
"Boy, it is cold out there today." or  
"Took Dad to dinner yesterday.  He ordered meatloaf.  It was a hoot."
 "Hey everybody, just got back from vacation! Here are 120 great photos of our trip to Dayton, Ohio."

Rather than impacting public opinion, these applications enable people to feel that they are connected to others.  By boasting oops I mean posting my vacation pics, it says look at me --I'm somebody.  I have "friends." I go places.  I'm cool.  

Facebook is a perfect medium for this type of inane chatter.  Your family is potentially interested in every meal and bathroom break, but the rest of us might discreetly "hide" your posts  

Twitter is just another way for people to self-promote.  If you follow any sort of organization you will be bombarded with multiple posts daily which are no more than commercials for that organization.  News editors are the worst abusers of Twitter.  It is not uncommon to see dozens of posts by some local editor each with a link to a story in today's edition.  The police department posts inane announcements "On route to investigate report of barking dog on Elm St."   Twitter is just one big Tease, because you can never get any useful information in 150 characters.

How About Blogs?

Blogs can be a different animal.  Indeed, there are some pretty good writers who set out to inform you, nay to persuade you that you should believe what they believe.  The unlimited format of text and image allows for an in-depth treatment of topic, and hyperlinks to reference sources can serve as powerful supporting material. 
I acknowledge that some of these folks are capable of writing in such a way as to actually change the way others think.

But, most writers of blogs are like me -- frustrated, self-absorbed wannabee writers who can't help themselves from opining on a disappointing and imperfect world.  Writing is a recognized form of therapy.  But most of us would admit that it is mostly for our own entertainment.  Unlike the Political and Religious bloggers we do not expect to shape your thoughts or beliefs.   

Like other free social media, blogs tend to be followed and read by the same agreeable choir for that particular denomination: pro-Obama, anti-big government, dog lovers, foodies, and such.  Folks publish their list of "favorite links" which invariably consist of like-minded bloggers.  So in the end, 90% of blogs are indistinguishable from the Twitter or Facebook except they are longer.  In the end, nobody ever almost nobody ever changes their beliefs.