Is social media a good or bad thing?

[CAustin]

Mostly a good thing. Social media has taken power out of the hands of a few when it comes to information dissemination. Ultimately, it has made it possible for political movements to "assemble" without having to have a physical manifestation, making revolutions possible across the middle-East, and weakening both China's and Iran's stranglehold over their populations. (It has also caused some embarrassments to the more Orwellian aspects of some Western governments.)

Unfortunately, it's mostly in the hands of Facebook right now, which is not the most stable or ethical company to be holding the reins of so much power. So I severely limit my involvement in social media until more numerous and/or more ethical companies are able to break into the game. I'd like very much for Google+ to get off the ground.

[Only Cowards Block]

It quite often makes for good entertainment. Anyone who takes seriously what they read on any of the social media is in serious need of help. I agree with you and that goes double for most of Y!A (especially the politics section