Social Media

#1 I do not (and have never) participated in social media, but I have experience with them through my 4 children and my school's participation. I do think that social media can be a devastating attachment to people's lives. I know people who say and do things on social media that they would never do in person. And so, yes, I think people are emboldened to cast judgement and then in turn be put down and criticized relentlessly. Maybe this is human nature let loose. The social restrictions and guidelines for appropriate behavior do not apply to this forum.

#2 I really don't know if the rewards outweigh the risks. I'm not sure that the "democratization of justice" is the takeaway here.

#3 I'm sure that there are ways of meeting nice people on social media, but I think the word meeting is essential. From that point forward (after meeting) a real and tangible relationship forms when in-person interactions take place…the tone of someone's voice, how long and intently they listen to you, their facial expressions, and eye contact, etc… These natural behavioral routines are necessary for a real relationship which, I think, must be established for a truly valuable exchange of ideas, feelings, beliefs, and debate.