My Thoughts on Comments

In my previous post, I referred to the controversial debate on the effects of social media on society. Below are comments from readers and my accompanying reflection of their synopsis on the issue, taken from an article found on WashingtonCBSLocal.

The following comments are those that, in my mind, lack credibility.

Lacking Credibility 1:

Screenshot taken on 8/29/2015

1. This commenter does not at all seem to have any fear or anxiety on the issue. His response is lighthearted, sarcastic, and generally speaking, uncalled for. His analogy is meant more as a jab at the issue rather than genuine concern. He appears more concerned with the method of buttering popcorn than social media.

2. From his complete disregard for the issue, my assumption would be that he doesn't consider social media to be a pressing issue. As he said initially, he didn't even read past the second paragraph of the lengthy article. 

3. Levarg Gib is off topic for the entirety of his comment. The only faucet of social media he refers to is Facebook (the closest he comes to actually breaching the topic). Though his analogy (albeit strange) did make a bleak connection to Facebook as "poison," his sarcastic tone and off-handed dismissal of the article speak louder than his words. 

Lacking Credibility 2:

Screenshot taken 8/29/2015

1. This comment definitely appears anxious and angry about the issue of social media. He voices his opinion very verbosely, utilizing caps, cuss words and rude accusations. He blatantly doesn't consider himself as a part of this category through his disgust of those who do fall is this "loser" category. 

2. This commenter is definitely under the belief that social media users are (putting it nicely) worthless. He uses the rest of society to back his statement, claiming "NO ONE cares." He seems to believe his opinion is fact more than fiction. Additionally, no one can question his intent with his statement, "Smart phones and stupid people."

3. Before even reading the comment, the commenter comes across as a very untrustworthy person simply by examining his profile. His username "FAHQOBAMA" doesn't leave much to the imagination and already suggests a person who is less than formal when it comes to politics. His argument is hardly credible, as his only strategy seems to be direct degradation of social media users. According to FAHQOBAMA, we are all LOSERS.

The following comments are those that, in my mind, are credible.

Credible 1:

Screenshot taken 8/29/2015

1. This commenter is very well-rounded in his view. He neither condones nor praises technology; rather, he places the blame elsewhere. He speaks very deliberately. Unlike previous commenters, he is composed in his assessment, stating things as a matter-of-fact rather than a wordy opinion.

2. This commenter makes his beliefs very clear, as it is the base for his argument. He is of the belief that it is society itself that is the issue and not technology. He very intelligently states that society is once more placing the blame elsewhere, as it so often does.

3. "AGoyAndHisBlog" comes across as being very reasonable. He utilizes intelligent diction, correct grammar, and even provides readers with a relevant quote. Though he makes his belief clear, he doesn't force it upon readers as fact. He merely states what he has observed to be true, and leaves the people to their own inference.


Credible 2: 

Screenshot taken 8/29/15

1. This commenter seems to be both wishful and fearful. He/she describes their fear of where (specifically) the business industry will go with the lessening use of face to face meetings. They then also refer to feeling as if they are "in a science fiction story," implying they are wishful of returning to the old ways.

2. This commenter is of the belief that social media is ruining society's ability to communicate face to face. He/she refers to their experience as a real estate agent, as they were multiple times unable to carry out their job as a result of the hindrances of technology.

3. This commenter's credibility stems directly from their experience. They give real life examples of how technology has affected their work. They provide multiple examples of this, as real life colleagues and customers have either panicked or, generally, responded negatively to their anti-technology way of working.

Reflection
I find it difficult to utilize social media as a source. Generally speaking, the comments that appear on controversial articles are widely opinionated, typed in the "heat of the moment." Every once in a while, an intelligent comment will appear from an intelligent individual. I've learned that it is important to find these comments, as these people (still thinking rationally) are oftentimes good reflections of the views of society, your "average Joe," so to speak (though better with words).

In Kelly's post, the selected comments were a good representation of this. While a few commenters appeared hasty and emotional, the two deemed "credible" were intelligently composed. This same pattern was paralleled in Ayra's post and commenters. The two credible sources were intelligent yet refined, and again the unreliable sources were rash, impolite and emotional. Reading my classmates' blogs on comments was helpful in confirming that social media can be used as a reliable source, so long as you find the uniquely intelligent voices.