Chapter 1: The Power Dynamic of Social Media and Governance

If you feel that our leaders are excessively active on social media, you're not alone. Many significant government announcements are now made via these platforms. Lawmakers who gained power through online trolling continue to spread misinformation even after taking office, while sensationalized political exchanges often overshadow substantive policy discussions. This issue is further compounded by the former president and his supporters, who incited unrest through a persistent campaign of online misinformation.

Jennifer Grygiel, an expert in social media and an assistant professor at Syracuse University, proposes a bold solution to mitigate the disruptive online behavior of lawmakers: a complete ban on their access to social media. Grygiel believes the current framework allows rampant propaganda and manipulation. Politicians can easily bypass traditional media checks, evading accountability for their statements. She argues that the only viable course of action is to remove all government officials from social media, from local mayors to the President of the United States. Evidence suggests that misinformation plummeted by 73% across social platforms following President Trump’s removal from Twitter and other sites.

What would a landscape devoid of politicians on social media resemble?

GEN: You advocate for banning politicians, government officials, and public agencies from social media. What led you to this conclusion?

Jennifer Grygiel: My concern originated when police departments began sharing mugshots on Facebook. This allowed the public to shame individuals openly. For instance, a police department in Fredonia, New York, threatened students with future employment repercussions if they were seen partying. This represents a new form of social control, empowering authorities in ways previously unseen, enabling them to livestream events and cultivate audiences. The media's influence can be abused, as seen in Bangor, Maine, where the local police department has one of the largest social media followings in the country due to their use of memes and humor.

While this approach may enhance public relations, it raises concerns about narrative control during incidents of police misconduct or violence.

During the Trump administration, the presidency became a celebrity role, lacking oversight regarding the implications of presidential tweets. We need to reconsider the effects of propaganda from those in power when they can directly communicate with a vast audience.

Shouldn't governments communicate with citizens where they are?

I'm supportive of government communication; it's part of the government speech doctrine. However, the government should not manipulate public opinion to the extent that it infringes upon individuals' freedom of thought and access to diverse information. When government communication overshadows the media, it poses a significant risk to democracy. We are nearing a tipping point in this regard.

What do you think has contributed to this shift?

The social media platforms have provided direct communication channels to government entities without adequate fact-checking or accountability measures. This has resulted in a scenario where misinformation can spread unchecked. As these platforms claim to assist users, the reality is that they are undermining the free press, leading to a troubling situation.

In your opinion, how is government propaganda manifesting online?

Historically, presidents relied on the press for public communication. During the Trump era, media outlets began cutting away from his speeches due to the falsehoods he disseminated. This exemplifies the press's crucial role in fact-checking and serving the public interest. Trump's substantial social media following allowed him to circumvent traditional media oversight, creating a direct line of communication that functioned as a propaganda outlet—a serious threat to democratic principles.

Some may argue that Trump was an anomaly, and other leaders, like Biden, are not engaging in propaganda. How do you counter this perspective?

All governments manipulate information. The free press serves as a check on this behavior, which is vital for a healthy democracy. The risk of government propaganda is amplified by its financial resources, allowing it to potentially utilize taxpayer funds for manipulative messaging, thereby undermining the public's freedom.

Government entities can purchase ads on platforms like Twitter, competing with independent media for attention. During the Trump administration, the CDC's messages were politicized, raising questions about the authenticity of their communications.

What regulations do you believe are necessary to address these concerns?

I propose pre-moderation for world leaders on platforms like Twitter, preventing their accounts from being hacked and limiting their audience growth. Each federal agency should be restricted from building large followings, ensuring they do not dominate social media narratives.

The recent introduction of warning labels by Twitter is a step toward transparency, but exemptions for government entities raise concerns about accountability.

If the Democratic Party genuinely sought to serve the public, they would focus on strengthening the free press, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.

How can we address the growing distrust in the media?

The free press is under considerable financial strain due to consolidation and layoffs. Consequently, many people turn to government sources for information, which is not ideal. A reliance on official accounts without independent verification can lead to biased narratives.

While the media is not infallible, it is essential to seek a variety of sources for information. Journalists are trained to investigate and verify claims, ensuring a nuanced understanding of current events.

How do we ensure a healthy relationship between government communication and independent journalism?

We need to prioritize collaboration between government entities and the free press, allowing for accurate and trustworthy information dissemination. The current trend of government entities utilizing social media for direct communication raises concerns about transparency and public trust.

This discussion has been edited for clarity.

Chapter 2: The Role of Social Media in Modern Governance

The first video titled "Ron DeSantis Signs Bill to Ban Children From Social Media... is This Actually Good?" explores the implications of restricting young people's access to social platforms.

The second video titled "Banning Social Media - YouTube" delves into the broader impacts of social media bans on public discourse and political engagement.