Once upon a time, I was one of the millions of people who would opine about anything and everything in the news by posting my “insights” on social media. Because my day job included having opinions, I wasn’t worried about saying the wrong thing or alienating my audience (which kinda knows my general political positions anyway). Whatever was in the news, I’d post something about it. At times, I felt like I was obligated to post something about every major news story and sporting event. It became like another job.
In the past couple of years, I broke that habit. Now, while I’m occasionally moved to post something, I generally don’t anymore. Even when something cries out for comment, I’m… well, I’m retired from everything else (besides this column), so why would posting on social media be any different? That’s why, if you follow me on any of the various platforms, I’ve been quiet most of the time since All Access collapsed and my working days ended. I do have things to say, but…
It doesn’t matter. Nobody cares, or at least the absence of my commentary will not impact things, just as nothing changes when I post stuff. It’s not healthy to constantly feel the need to comment on every single issue, especially when you are in no way qualified as an expert on the matter. That’s not to say that you should never speak up or have opinions; our way of life practically demands that you have an opinion on critical issues and be well-informed about what’s going on. But you have to be realistic about whether what you’re saying online contributes to the conversation or just adds to the noise.
It’s noisy out there. The number of posts that fall under the “this person has no idea what they’re talking about” category is bigger than ever, and that means more and more misinformation, more trolling, more confusion. People getting their “news” from Facebook and X and Threads and BlueSky are buried under the “expert commentary” of others who may be legit, or may be trolling, or may be bots, or may just be talking out of their asses.
Even legitimate news sources are dismissed by doubters with the “MSM” label, and feeds are overflowing with comments from people with no expertise or knowledge about the issue, or anything (see posts about vaccines, tariffs, the Fairness Doctrine, and the law, for starters). Do you want to contribute to that noise? Even if you’re right – even if you’re a legitimate expert – you’ll be shouted down and the noise will continue, and nobody will walk away enlightened.
The promise of social media – the democratization of reporting, giving voice to the previously suppressed – is long gone in a cacophony of idiocy, with actual Nazis, antisemites, TERFs, and misogynists reigning supreme. It’s the apotheosis of “just asking questions,” where ignorance is celebrated and truth is anything you want it to be. Why be part of that, especially since you’re not exactly being paid to do it (unless you’re an “influencer” or you get a few pennies from Elon if you pay him eight dollars every month. Oh, maybe you’ve scored a spot as a panel pundit on CNN from your online activity).
The platforms are the ones using your opinion to make money (and train their AI engines). You get to think that your value is measured by the number of followers and likes you accumulate.
Break the habit. Remind yourself that nobody will miss you or even notice you’ve left the platform. Save the opinions for your own talk show or column if you happen to have one, and for actual in-person conversation with others if you don’t. Otherwise, it’s not worth the hassle, energy, or aggravation to continue to get into social media arguments. Stick to cat videos and complaining about airline service, and leave the pontification to people you trust. There’s no law that says we have to participate in a world that’s been Joe Roganized and Alex Jonesified.
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Perry Michael Simon is a weekly news media columnist for Barrett Media. He previously served as VP and Editor/News-Talk-Sports/Podcast for AllAccess.com. Prior to joining the industry trade publication, Perry spent years in radio working as a Program Director and Operations Manager for KLSX and KLYY in Los Angeles and New Jersey 101.5 in Trenton. He can be found on X (formerly Twitter) @PMSimon.
