Social media is a plague that poisons everyone and brainwashes them to think that their opinions are the most important ones out there.

People are just so eager to put their thoughts out there without question or doubt, because they know they won’t feel “attacked” thanks to that nifty computer screen that they hide behind.

Social media isolates people. It exposes them to only content they agree with and lets them comment on pages whose members won’t debate them, but rather agree with the nonsense spewed in comments box. But, we already knew that.

It’s nauseating to witness the integrity of truth assaulted, beaten and left out to die, and it’s painful to read degrading comments that offer little to no sustenance to a given topic. But, this is the norm.

It seems like there’s no room for educated debates on Facebook or Twitter because the person who should really do some research doesn’t and their “two cents” on the matter is irrelevant. People are trapped in their own bubble, completely sealed off from differing points of view, and they only read what they want to read.

I’m not sure why they decide this is a better solution for them. Last I checked, searching for and uncovering the truth is a way to further knowledge. At least, that’s what John Stuart Mill said.

Freedom of speech is necessary and great and anyone can post irrelevant information or their irrelevant opinion on social media because they can (as long as it doesn’t incite violence, right?) But what people don’t do is accept debates and they don’t do their own research and therefore, they’ll never find out what’s really true, what matters and what makes sense.

Before you open your mouth and try to argue with someone, whether it’s about politics or what color is the best color ever, do your research first. It’s important, especially in the age of fake news, to cultivate an educated response to anything you have an opinion on by keeping up with real, relevant news.

Don’t sound like an idiot and add to the problems that are already in this world. Do your homework and learn something new. Trust me, it’ll help you.

Analicia Haynes is a junior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].