Social Media: A Tool, Not the Problem

Several years ago, I prepared a presentation for a group of friends—primarily expats who have met on Friday mornings for over 20 years. Many of them once held senior positions in industry, and our conversations initially revolved around spiritual topics. Over time, however, our discussions expanded to cover politics, economics, social media, and artificial intelligence. Opinions in the group were diverse, leading to lively, humorous, and occasionally frustrating debates. Yet, I always left feeling enriched, with new perspectives that advanced my internal dialogue.

Social media often came up in these discussions, typically with a negative slant. After the 2016 election, many in the group expressed concerns about its central role in shaping public opinion and influencing troubling political outcomes. In 2020, the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma fueled the debate, amplifying fears about social media’s impact on society.

In response, I created a set of slides contextualizing social media within the broader history of communication innovations. My aim was to demonstrate that every major leap in communication technology—from the printing press to the internet—has been met with both awe and controversy. These innovations have disrupted the status quo, spreading both enlightenment and chaos, yet each has ultimately settled into our lives as indispensable tools.

Now, as social media again faces intense scrutiny, further fueled by books like The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher, which, in my opinion, build a decidedly one-sided narrative about the evils of social media, the present is a good time to revisit an alternative perspective and share them more broadly.

Unfortunately, my original slide deck was locked away on a long-defunct MacBook, a victim of an expired motherboard. But what initially felt like a setback became an opportunity. With the help of AI and my digital twin, I not only recovered the core ideas but also enriched them with deeper insights, historical data, and a modern perspective.

So, let’s briefly walk through history’s most transformational communication tools and the controversies that accompanied them.

The Printing Press

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, the printing press revolutionized access to knowledge, enabling mass production of books. While it fueled the Renaissance and the Reformation, it also faced fierce backlash. Religious authorities criticized its role in spreading "heretical" ideas, such as Martin Luther’s theses, which challenged the Catholic Church’s authority and contributed to the Protestant Reformation. Political leaders feared the unchecked spread of subversive literature that could incite rebellion and destabilize established power structures.

Interestingly, as Malcolm Gladwell has observed in his recent book "Revenge of the Tipping Point," one of the most popular early topics in printed books was witchcraft. These publications tapped into widespread fears and superstitions of the time, often amplifying paranoia about witches and other perceived threats to the social order. While they reflected humanity’s darker impulses, these books also demonstrated the power of the printing press to shape public opinion—for better or worse.

Yet, despite these challenges, the printing press became synonymous with progress, enabling the democratization of knowledge and setting the stage for modern education, journalism, and the scientific revolution. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring tension between innovation, disruption, and societal adaptation.

Paperback Books: Democratizing Information in the 20th Century

The rise of paperback books in the 20th century marked another pivotal moment in the democratization of information. Introduced in the 1930s, paperbacks were inexpensive, portable, and accessible to a wider audience than traditional hardcovers, which had been a luxury item for the wealthy. Publishers like Penguin Books in the UK and Pocket Books in the US championed the format, bringing literature, education, and entertainment into the hands of the everyday reader.

Despite their transformative impact, paperbacks were initially dismissed by critics as lowbrow or even vulgar. Many viewed them as vehicles for pulp fiction and cheap thrills, unsuitable for serious literature. Some libraries and bookstores refused to stock them, fearing they would undermine the prestige of the written word.

I can still remember my mother saying that when she was young in the 1940s, there were concerns that she read too much, her head stuck in a world of fantasy and fiction.

Yet, paperbacks proved resilient, becoming a crucial tool for literacy and education. They played a significant role during World War II, as millions of Armed Services Editions were distributed to soldiers, providing comfort and intellectual stimulation on the battlefield. The format also made works of philosophy, history, and classic literature affordable and available to the masses, fostering a culture of reading and learning across socioeconomic lines.

Over time, the paperback became a celebrated symbol of accessible knowledge, furthering the printing press's mission to democratize information. Its journey from derision to widespread acceptance mirrors the trajectory of many communication innovations, including social media, today.

The Telephone

When Alexander Graham Bell introduced the telephone in 1876, it transformed how people connected. Initially, critics worried it would erode the art of letter-writing and encourage idle chatter. Some feared it would invade privacy, as anyone could "intrude" into the sanctity of one’s home through a ringing bell.

The New York Times, for instance, expressed concern that the telephone might be "a device of the enemies of the Republic," potentially undermining public gatherings and social cohesion.

Additionally, Ambrose Bierce, in his satirical work The Devil's Dictionary, defined the telephone as "an invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance."

Despite these concerns, the telephone became an essential tool for business, personal communication, and emergency response systems, shrinking distances and fostering a more connected world.

Television

Television emerged as a powerful medium in the mid-20th century, blending entertainment and information in unprecedented ways. Critics accused it of promoting consumerism, reducing attention spans, and undermining social interactions. Governments also wrestled with its influence; authoritarian regimes often used it as a tool for propaganda. Notably, journalist Edward R. Murrow warned in 1958 that television could become merely "wires and lights in a box" if it failed to educate and inspire.

Additionally, George Gerbner's research introduced the concept of the "mean world syndrome," suggesting that heavy television viewing could make audiences perceive the world as more dangerous than it actually is.

Concerns about television's monolithic impact were prevalent, as vast audiences consumed the same content simultaneously, leading to fears of mass indoctrination and mind control. This apprehension was later reflected in George Orwell's 1984, where "telescreens" served as instruments of state surveillance and propaganda. Yet, television also united people during major events—from the moon landing to global sporting events—and became a cornerstone of culture and communication.

The Internet

The internet’s rise in the 1990s was hailed as a new frontier for information and connectivity. However, concerns soon followed. The spread of misinformation, cybercrime, and the erosion of privacy became pressing issues. Critics also lamented its impact on social interactions, arguing it promoted isolation and “digital addiction.”

One of the earliest manifestations of these issues was the rise of websites that distributed what we now call "fake news." Sites like Infowars, which predated (1999) the dominance of social media, became platforms for wide-ranging conspiracy theories, including those related to government control and health misinformation. These sites were precursors to the misinformation ecosystem we grapple with today, leveraging the internet’s reach to build dedicated followings.

At the same time, the proliferation of websites with chatrooms provided spaces for discussion and community but also served as breeding grounds for hate speech and fringe ideas. Many of these forums allowed users to connect anonymously, emboldening individuals to share extremist views or promote conspiracy theories without fear of accountability. The dynamic demonstrated the double-edged nature of the internet: its power to unite and its potential to divide.

The advent of email, a cornerstone of Internet communication, introduced its own set of challenges. Researchers Shapiro and Anderson noted as early as 1985 that "the effects and side-effects in using electronic mail and message systems can be significant," citing issues such as information overload and the potential for miscommunication. Additionally, email blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, as messages became a 24/7 phenomenon, disrupting traditional communication norms.

Despite these challenges, the Internet democratized access to information fostered innovation and transformed industries ranging from commerce to education. Its profound impact on society continues to evolve, presenting opportunities and risks in equal measure.

Some of Social Media's Positive Contributions

As the debate around social media rages on, it’s easy to focus solely on its most egregious excesses, forgetting the significant positive contributions it has made to society. For example, while many lament social media's role in "electing" Donald Trump, those same voices often overlook its pivotal role in Barack Obama’s historic 2008 campaign. Obama’s team leveraged social media to engage millions of young voters, organize grassroots efforts, and redefine political campaigning in the digital age.

Beyond politics, social media has proven to be a powerful force for good in countless ways:

• Global Activism: The Arab Spring (2010-2012) demonstrated social media’s ability to mobilize millions, spread awareness, and challenge authoritarian regimes.
• Disaster Relief: In the aftermath of natural disasters, such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake or Hurricane Sandy in 2012, social media has been indispensable for coordinating relief efforts, raising funds, and reuniting families.
• Social Movements: Movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter have used social media to amplify voices, share stories, and drive systemic change.
• Educational Access: Social media has democratized access to education and information. Platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn Learning offer free or affordable resources for millions of learners worldwide.
• Community Building: From support groups for rare diseases to niche interest communities, social media has provided a way for people to connect, share experiences, and find a sense of belonging.
• Entrepreneurship and Creativity: Social media has enabled small businesses, independent artists, and content creators to reach global audiences without traditional gatekeepers, fostering innovation and creativity.

These examples remind us that social media, like any tool, can be wielded for both harm and good. Its power lies not in the technology itself but in how we choose to use it. Certainly, like weapons of war, the long bow, though lethal, could not do nearly the damage of a machine gun, not to mention and nuclear weapon. Social media allows for weapons-grade speed and distance in delivering its payload. But unlike weapons of mass destruction, each of us has the power to avoid its most harmful effects through discernment and moderation, both skills that need to be ingrained from a young age at home and in our schools. Are we up to the challenge?