In the wake of the Tuscon shooting, many people are concerned about the role social media plays in violent acts.
“Today, in addition to radio and TV, radical rhetoric expressed on social networks can also cause hundreds or even thousands of followers to impulsively act out based on the belief that their actions are in alignment with a greater mission, condoned by political leaders,” Ron Callari of InventorSpot said.
Some are saying this is the case with Jared Lee Loughner, the lead suspect in the case of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. As a response to potential danger incited by social media, politicians and concerned citizens alike are suggesting stronger restrictions and mediation of social media.
Brian Crowley of the Crowley Political Report believes firmly in controlling dialogue .
“Our policy is that if comments are over the top or too strong we don’t allow them, we delete them.”
The real issue, he says, is the follower’s reaction to harsh comments made by politicians such as Sarah Palin’s. Crowley suggests political leaders should help to control the dialogue. Some are taking this mindset to heart.
Sen. Ellen Corbett of California introduced the Social Networking Privacy Act in February. The bill “would impose civil penalties on social networks displaying home addresses and phone numbers of users under 18 years old.” San Francisco based social media giant, Facebook lobbied vehemently against the proposal with support from a number of child safety organizations until it was turned down.
“We were concerned the unintended consequences would be the incentive for minors to be deceptive about their age and, in so doing, lose the many protections in place (to) protect their personal information.”
Social media safety is the top priority of all parties involved, but the proper method of ensuring a safe social media community cannot be agreed upon.
Though social media has the potential to encourage various types violent acts, Enough Is Enough President Donna Rice Hughes is worried about the implications of a government enforced regulation on social media.
“The biggest issue is: where is the line drawn between public safety and the first amendment?”
