Social media is a modern and quick way to share our thoughts, opinions or unknown facts to anyone in the world at any time. Many journalists use social media as a way to distribute information and get the stories out faster to a wider audience. Some people use social media as a way to connect with family and old friends, share funny videos of dogs and cats, update people on their life or to use a large platform to share their opinion and use their voice as a way to spread change. So, is this a good or bad thing? Is there a limit to what we can on social media?
Many might say no, it is your social media, you can post whatever you want. Others might say yes, there is a limit because you never know who is reading it and it can have a different effect on some people. This question of the limit on what we can say on social media is relevant to one particular college student.
Bella Gutierrez, a second-year media student at Indiana University is very vocal with her opinions on the current presidency and many political topics. Due to her background and where she came from, many people disagree with her opinions on certain subjects like LGBTQ rights, women rights, abortion, gun control and other social and economic subjects.
Social media is a place where people can post their feelings and their side of mostly partisan subjects. Gutierrez did just that. Many times Gutierrez can be found defending her opinion to her social media following after some people have written and shared their opposing views. Sadly, for Gutierrez, they do not just attempt to contradict and discredit her opinion but they also tear down and insult Gutierrez in the process.
"It's my Facebook and I will continue to post my beliefs on my accounts, despite what others say," Gutierrez said.
Although conflicting opinions is common on Gutierrez's Facebook wall, one event caused over 70 comments from over 10 different people. Gutierrez went to the biggest protest march in U.S. history in January--The Women's March. Gutierrez uploaded a picture from the women's march, a picture of Gutierrez and a friend holding a sign that some said was, "crude, vulgar and inappropriate". Although Gutierrez's main objective was not to offend or insult anyone she still believes it's the meaning behind the message, which is why she always stands up to her haters on social media and never ever backs down from her convictions.
"Staying silent on issues that matter will have no effect in the end," Gutierrez said. "I want to know that I defended my opinions on a platform that allows me to do so; maybe it will help make a change."
What is the limit to what we can post? Maybe there isn't one, maybe too many people cross it every day. Either way, it is your social media and you should never be scared to use your platform to share your feelings.
