Facebook caught in Social Media war

[King_David]

Beyond the physical war between Hamas and Israel and another war is raging. This other war is taking place in social media; it’s caught major players like Facebook unprepared, and its caused government officials around the world to quietly express concerns about vilification on social media potentially fueling violence on the streets in places far removed from the zone of conflict.

In the Jewish Daily Forward, Jay Michaelson recently lamented the unwillingness of people to think critically about online material regarding the current conflict. He highlights how activists on all sides refuse to consider valid arguments, inconvenient truths, from the other side. His criticism was directed equally at left-wing Jews, right-wing Jews, and Palestinian activists. While Michaelson’s own political views shine through in his article, and many will disagree with them, the silo mentality he speaks of is very real, especially in a time of emergency.

The problem, however, is larger than the existence of an echo chamber. As the battle lines are drawn, and people close themselves off to those “on the other side”, social networks are disrupted. Friendships are broke, and many will not be renewed after the conflict is over. Those personal connections are our bridges to a better world. When this is over, we will all need to make a concerted effort to rebuild the fabric of our virtual world.

The problems go deeper still. Some who support the Palestinian cause, and see Jews supporting Israel, are now overtly spreading antisemitism. Others have expressed the view that antisemitism is somehow legitimate at this time. I’ve also seen people post that opposing antisemitism is wrong, or is a distraction from the “real issue”. Anyone claiming to support human rights, but who takes this line, loses all credibility. Racism, in all its forms, is wrong at all times and in all places. This is no exception. These people need to be called out by those who otherwise agree with them, after all, they will simply ignore anyone else.

http://www.jwire.com.au/featured-articles/facebook-caught-in-social-media-war/44422

[The Magistrate]

1. The Article He Links To, Sir, Is An Excellent One

http://forward.com/articles/202121/-ways-to-turn-down-the-social-media-flame/

Here are four questions I ask myself before posting, forwarding, or otherwise spreading news of the conflict.

What is the likely effect of my post? If my post is likely to enflame anger (on whatever side), I ask: Is that really what is needed? Especially at a time of conflict, do we really need to stoke up “our side” with rhetorical questions and half-truths? Do I really believe that whatever fact is allegedly in the email (how many rockets, how many dead) is unknown to an unpersuadable public, which just happens to be my friend cohort?

Am I angry? If I’m angry, I’m probably posting to vent anger at those stupid [insert opponents here] and maybe get some support in the form of Likes. But besides creating more anger (see above), it probably will make me look intemperate. Remember when that was a bad thing?

Is the meaning of my post “the other side is evil”? If so, I probably am missing the complexity of the story, especially if I have emotional ties to one side (or one faction within one side). Well, why did Israel target that school? They must be evil! No, they probably had some intelligence about it. Or they made a mistake. Why did so many Palestinians support the kidnappers? They must be evil! No, they’ve been stateless for 66 years, under military occupation for 47, and without basic rights of citizenship. That does tend to influence one’s worldview.

Am I replaying spin? Israel, the Palestinian factions, and every other political actor are busy manufacturing spin. “Defending ourselves against terror.” “Fighting back against occupation.” That’s all fine, but if I aspire to political and moral agency, I have to do more than replay someone else’s message points.

[King_David]

2. I do not post on Facebook about the conflict,

I have lots of friends who do, and because their names are out there, nastiness can follow in all facets of life.

[The Magistrate]

3. I Think Those Apply Beyond Facebook, Sir

Look through posts in this group here, and see how few could stand up to those considerations....

[King_David]

4. True

Using your real name would probably moderate things a lot.

Think that would be a good idea?

[The Magistrate]

5. Some People Make That Choice, Sir

I do not.

I have my reasons.

[King_David]

6. Me neither,

Same reasons maybe.