Improving the social media environment begins with each of us

On January 6, as I watched the attack on the U.S. Capitol, I asked myself some of the same questions many others were considering. What role did social media play in inciting the riot? What can we do to improve the conversation? And how can we prevent these types of incidents in the future?

There are no easy answers. It’s clear that our problems—polarization and disinformation being only two of the most prevalent—have only intensified in the past year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest, a contentious presidential campaign, and the subsequent banning of several social media accounts. But it’s worth thinking about how we can prevent the situation from getting even worse.

My strong belief is that the key is personal action and accountability. Yes, I believe the social media companies play a role in promoting civil discourse and mitigating the spread of false information, and there may be places where regulation is needed. But the primary responsibility for making things better lies with each of us.

So, what can you do to contribute—even in small ways—to a healthier exchange of ideas? Here are a few thoughts:

• Get information from a variety of sources. Social media algorithms are designed to provide us with more relevant information each time we log in. In other words, the next time you visit Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you’re likely to see more content like what you’ve consumed before and more content shared by those you’ve interacted with in the past. This can be a benefit, in that we see information more consistent with our interests, but it greatly increases the chance that our “information bubble” will get smaller and smaller. This explains why, for example, inane conspiracy theories take hold. The more information you consume about the most radical idea, the more likely it is you will see even more information about that idea—and that makes it seem more valid. How do you fight this? Make sure you don’t get too much information from the same source. This includes looking well beyond social media for news and commentary. Ideally, we should seek out sources with a different viewpoint than our own and approach it with an open mind.
• Remember, using a social media platform is a privilege, not a right, and none of it is compulsory. The current debate about free speech is a worthy one, but it’s critical to remember that social media platforms absolutely reserve the right to ban users when they believe they incite violence or perpetuate lies in a way that has collateral damage. At the same time, it’s important to remember that social media companies are in business to make a profit. If we object to their actions, we can close our accounts. The consumer is ultimately in control.
• Prioritize real-world conversations. I always compare those who argue politics on social media to screaming fans at a hockey game (while also admitting I’ve been guilty of doing so myself). It’s very easy to be brave when there’s a pane of glass separating you from the object of your derision; lower the pane of glass, and the conversation will change dramatically. Each of us, then, needs to have the courage to log off and have real-world, face-to-face conversations with people who disagree with us. To challenge our preconceptions. To learn. And to listen. This is the only way we will find common ground—or, at the very least, better understand our differences.

Admittedly, all the above is difficult. What social media has taught us is that we can effortlessly fire off opinions without much thought and they have the potential to reach a large audience, very quickly. And what the events of the past year have taught is how dangerous this can be. It’s time to take more responsibility for what we read, believe, and share, and how we interact with others. It starts with each one of us, and—if we choose to—we can start right now.