Teenagers, especially those of this generation, are notorious for extreme use of the Internet. With rapid advances in technology comes its persisting presence in our lives at all times. Social media is at our fingertips constantly with just the tap of a finger. Many complain about technology’s invasive nature and its seizing of countless opportunities to “live in the moment”. Others argue in favor of the power it has to connect people, and the ease with which so many tasks can be accomplished.
The debate over technology continues, but for far different reasons, in the case of the President-Elect, Donald Trump. Trump is known for his adamant use of social media, with Twitter being his most frequented platform. Throughout his time on the presidential campaign trail, Trump expressed his opinions on various issues using Twitter. Although he came under fire for statements made over this app by many of his critics, his use of Twitter wasn’t threatened because he was only a presidential candidate at the time. Now, as his role is changed to that of the president-elect, many question the ethicality of his Twitter usage.
Following his victory, Trump said in an interview with CBS’ Lesley Stahl that once he enters the White House, he will be “very restrained [with his Twitter usage]... If [he] uses it at all”.
Many are confused by this statement, as Trump’s transition into the White House has been marked by the same use of social media as during his campaign. Trump has frequently updated his followers on many of his thoughts on intimate parts of the transition process, one prime example being his comments on his now nominee for Secretary of State, Rex Tiller “Whether I choose him or not for “State”- Rex Tillerson, the Chairman & CEO of ExxonMobil, is a world class player and dealmaker. Stay tuned!”
Trump certainly reveals information that has typically been concealed by president-elects of the past as they make their transition into the Oval Office. Many consider his actions to be unbecoming of a president-elect, with concern for the country’s safety perhaps being put in jeopardy if classified information is handled in the same manner.
However, many others believe that Trump is connecting with the American people in a revolutionary way. Trump’s supporters commend him on his relevance, especially with the younger population who is using the same social media as he is. These champions of Trump believe in Trump’s ability to adapt to the changing tides of the world, and communicate with the people of the U.S. in a more direct way than in years previous.
Those who Trump is targeting with this social media strategy are, in fact, those who roam the halls of RMHS daily. The majority of this age bracket, freshman and senior alike, will (perhaps unwillingly) admit to being social media fanatics, much like Trump himself. They are the ones who are most frequently exposed to his tweets, and the ones who feel most strongly about the subject, therefore, whether positively or negatively.
Senior Lily Dunn expressed her support of Trump’s effort to relate to the people, but disapproved of the way that he has used the medium “I see it as a positive thing that he’s active on Twitter in the sense that he is connecting to the American people. However, he needs to be more careful with his words, especially now that he’s being inaugurated in a month.” Fellow Senior Nora Jerrett voiced similar frustration with Trump’s usage of Twitter, explaining “I don’t like the way he’s been reacting to events- he’s petty. It’s more interaction than we’ve had with any other president-elect or president, but his behavior on social media makes me question if that communication is worth it.”
Trump’s messages are undoubtedly powerful, whether viewed in a positive or negative light; even those who do not follow Trump on Twitter have opinions on the subject because of the high frequency that his tweets are circulated with. Senior Kathryn Kalogeris falls into this category “I hear about how crazy some of his tweets are on the news, and I find some things that he says inappropriate for someone who is going to be our president. But, I don’t follow him because I just do not care; I never followed Hillary (Clinton) either.”
Whether you cheer Trump on through your retweets, oppose him in your replies, or would rather spend your time looking at hooded Kermit memes, social media’s effect on daily life is unavoidable. Trump’s usage of Twitter is only a microcosm of the whole new set of issues that have arisen with this new technological age. This debate can be used as an opportunity for introspection, as we consider the ways that we interact with one another and the mark that we leave.