Trolls on net

I am referring to Paul Brooks’ column “Anonymous trolls on the net” in the Wanganui Chronicle on 7/2/2018.

In Paul’s article he touches on the topic of social media and the anonymous feedback you will receive on the internet about opinions varying from politics to gardening. Paul says this can be very damaging. It seems Paul thinks social media is very bad. I agree with this article to a certain extent.

Paul brought up two examples that prove the sourness of anonymous posting: flat earth theory and mobbing causing damage to people. The internet can be a place where people display their opinions as facts without doing any research. Paul emphasises that people can belittle other people by posting photos of them stating how stupid they look.

One sentence that stands out in his article is: “Social media is a minefield of explosive comment and badly spelled criticism in colourful language.”

But social media also has a wide variety of positive properties.

Some examples include constructive criticism and valuable information. YouTube provides countless tutorial videos, which offer education to the World Wide Web community. People in difficult situations (ie, illness, loss of a family member, accident, etc) are able to connect with others through support groups where they find help and advice. Virtual marketplaces offer a great platform for businesses and consumers in addition to shops. This helps hundreds of people on both the buying and selling aspect.

Until recently people have never had the opportunity to have access to a continuous stream of information. The invention of the internet, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are also good for keeping in touch with friends and family. Sometimes these can be used to meet new, interesting people.

Social media can be toxic and merciless with posting, especially when it is anonymous. However, in my opinion the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Social media in general in my opinion is a great contributing factor to society despite some misuse by “anonymous trolls” on the net.

ZACH GILLESPIE Whanganui