straightUp Loc: California

It's nice to see representatives from both sides agreeing on something but it would be better if they actually knew what the hell they were doing. I'm watching them chastising Big Tech for k*****g children... Wha?

Based on what? Moral values? Is Congress going to be our moral mommies now? I realize that congressional politics has devolved into popularity competitions and that's a problem. They are supposed to legislate. That is supposed to be their ONE primary job. They are not supposed to be investigators, judges or celebrity's they are supposed to be lawmakers. So they need to STFU, LEARN what social media IS, and THEN set about writing laws to make what they are calling MORAL violations, LEGAL violations. Then LEGAL actions can be taken to make social media "safer"... maybe.

And I DO mean they need to LEARN what social media is... Amy Klobuchar compares the situation to the door that blew out of the 737 and suggested the treatment of Big Tech be no less severe than the treatment Boeing got, as if the situations are comparable.

No, Amy... they are NOT comparable.

The abusive content is the product of the USERS, not the platform. This is not the case with aircraft doors and passengers. The passengers don't build or maintain the doors.

So there IS a fundamental difference. Blaming Big Tech for mean notes written by wicked children is like blaming the federal government for all the drunk driving incidents that k**l people when they happen on federally-funded interstate highways.

I won't marginalize the problem. I agree that content can be toxic and harmful. I've actually been involved in several projects to look for ways to protect users from abusive content. It's not easy. In fact, in the 8 years since, it still hasn't been done. These congressmen act like it's a simple matter of tightening the bolts. What exactly do they want Big Tech to do? Filter? Censor? Ban users? Didn't we already go through this when people were screaming at social media for not allowing the freedom of speech?

Yes, there is a problem... But it's not Big Tech, it's not the government... it's People. People are the problem. At least this is one thing the religious folks got right. Morals in our society are declining fast. And if we're leaving it up to Congress to lecture business leaders on morals, then our society is in deep doo-doo.

jim_oldman Loc: Lexington, SC

How can you say "the government" is not the problem when the government was running another typical sh~tshow? The government tries to say its morals sre superior to society's morals wh**ever they may be, in particular the goverment we have today. Are you kidding me? You got one thing right, the people are the problem too often than not.

straightUp Loc: California

Technically, our government is what the people make it. That's the magic of democracy. Maybe it's not what YOU want but if the majority of Americans agree with what YOU want, then it would be.

I know this is a simplified way of looking at it but when it really comes down to it, this is a fundamental t***h. And I think people are forgetting it. Our society (if you can call it that) is spending more effort trying to blame government for things that they should really be taking responsibility for.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

It is my policy to ignore anything you write. The reasons have not changed. In this case, mayhaps you overlooked something.

To avoid hysterical spewing by atheists, I will leave religion aside.

When parents begin taking their responsibility to the safety and welfare of their children, as opposed to allowing them unfettered access to social media, the ills besetting those children may decline!

Congratulations to me should be in order as in the past my screeds on this topic have been substantially longer. I shortened it based on the person originating of the thread.