While Facebook was not the advent of social media, the social networking site was instrumental in bringing the culture from the dingy basements of home-hosted Bulletin Board Services to the mainstream.
While Facebook was not the advent of social media, the social networking site was instrumental in bringing the culture from the dingy basements of home-hosted Bulletin Board Services to the mainstream.
Today there are a host of other vehicles driving the online conversation with Twitter and Facebook leading the pack. While the debate on the value of social media continues to rage, with the old-schoolers seeing it as the assassin to effective discussion and the new generations embracing it as a way to stay perpetually connected, there is little question it has far exceeded fad status.
In fact, for many, it has become a one-stop shop for information and the sharing of ideas. While we can debate the value of those ideas or the accuracy of the information for hours, the city byelection will undoubtedly cause a flurry of activity on Facebook and Twitter.
Discussion is vital to the democratic process. Allowing candidates and the public an opportunity to present ideas and engage in dialogue about the issues ensures that when the electorate heads to the polls, it is informed.
Unfortunately, the opportunity to present ideas from the safety of one's keyboard or shielded by the anonymity of an Internet alias gives rise to the dark side of social media.
St. Albert knows all too well what that side looks like, especially during election time. Many candidates characterized the tone of the last municipal election as unfortunate, citing the prevalence of personal attacks on social media as a concern.
Tash Taylor, who announced her intention to run for council well in advance to Wednesday's nomination deadline, had an early introduction to the ugly side of social media. She had to step away from Twitter for a while after people who disagreed with her repeatedly bashed her. She told the Gazette she was surprised by what she experienced having “never seen this side of St. Albert.”
With eight candidates vying for one seat – an impressive demonstration of how much people care for this community – there will be a desire for supporters to help their candidate stand out from the crowd. Hopefully those people choose to do that on the back of the issues and a candidate's strengths and not with personal attacks and American-style politicking.
We also hope people use this opportunity to get to know where the candidates stand and to take a hard look at what dynamic the new face should bring to the council chamber.
There is an obvious divisiveness to this council and this election will either choose a candidate who aligns with one side or the other or one with the strength to carve his or her own direction, guided by the will of the community. We hope that it is the latter.
We expect the byelection to be eventful with so many candidates in the fray. We also know there will be times when the discussion will become heated. While we are all entitled to our opinions and are free to speak our minds, trolling and bullying is never productive.
Let's keep it civil St. Albert and hopefully a positive and free exchange of ideas and visions will reveal who will best represent our city.
