Twitter founder: Trump election shows social media helping to 'dumb the entire world down'

[DonViejo]

Source: The Hill



BY REBECCA SAVRANSKY - 09/13/17 07:35 AM EDT

One of Twitter's founders said President Trump's election shows how social media can "dumb the entire world down."

Evan Williams was asked about President Trump's use of Twitter during an interview on BBC Radio 4's "Today" program, according to The Guardian.

“The much bigger issue is not Donald Trump using Twitter that got him elected, even if he says so," Williams said. "It is the quality of the information we consume that is reinforcing dangerous beliefs and isolating people and limiting people’s open-mindedness and respect for truth.” Williams said there is a media ecosystem that "is supported and thrives on attention."

"And that is what’s making us dumber and not smarter, and Donald Trump is a symptom of that," Williams said.



Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/news/350402-twitter-founder-trump-election-shows-social-media-helping-to-dumb-the-entire

[joeybee12]

1. Dad but true. Knr

[C_U_L8R]

2. Twitter has a choice

It can be the enabler of Trump and his minions of corrupt idiots
or it can work to make the world a smarter, more enlightened
and honest place. Which is it, Evan?

[FreepFryer]

3. Little late! Now he's a philosopher, having made his $ selling out reasoned discourse. (n/t)

[pangaia]

4. Evan Williams.. Is he the bourbon guy?

[titaniumsalute]

5. That was my first thought

[pangaia]

6. Great minds tip the same bottle..

Rather, great tastes..

[titaniumsalute]

7. Cheers!

[judesedit]

8. That's the whole plan in a nutshell

[FakeNoose]

9. Wait - is this guy bragging about it?

Can't see anything worth celebrating about here.

I never could see how these guys made any money off of Twitter, but apparently they're all millionaires.

[Fred Sanders]

10. Damn to hell Sucker and his diabolical Faceplant. Remember when social media was said

to be a revolution in politics all over the world? Well it was. But not in a good way.

Thanks for nothing but political grief, Zucker. Enjoy your riches as your country burns.

[DFW]

11. They even have their own anthem

http://www.jango.com/stations/326394565

Scroll down to the fifth song in the middle: "Dumb Down"

Trump is not only a symptom, he is their figurehead, and they are very proud of him.

[iluvtennis]

12. I agree with the assertion, but it's appiles not only to social media, but other media channels as..

..well. That's why it's important for us consumers of the news to access multiple sources so we can digest the info in totla and try to make the best informed opinion that we can.

Most media outlets are gonna spin to whatever agenda they have, so it's up to us to dig deeper to try to ferret out the truthful info.