Columnists

So much divisiveness was brought out locally during the 2016 election. The influence of the digital news media and social media was especially highlighted, which reflected an ongoing concern of mine.In digital news media, we now have the ability to post a comment with no fact checking or filtering for maliciousness, and thousands can see it instantly. Social media seems to be used effectively on the national stage, but we don’t yet understand the reach of it locally; I certainly believe in its potential. But again, there is no checking for facts or malicious intent.One thing that has been pointed out in many contentious public digital conversations is the lack of participation by our local elected and appointed officials, and city staff. This is generally a true statement.Until just a few days ago I rarely participated in public digital conversations. The reason was, early on I was misquoted and the piling on began; I didn’t step in to defend myself and it seemed to take on a life of its own. I then tried to defend my comments and that incited an even greater response. As much as I may not like being misquoted—it comes with the territory of being a city official—what I don’t like is the piling on and mean-spirited dialog that can so quickly ensue.So I refrain from engaging in public digital conversations because I feel no matter what I say there is no effective way of participating. I am tired of it, and now there is the cyber bullying.I have now been the suggested target for groups to protest at planning commission meetings when the issue did not include my commission work and there were efforts to disrupt my other community efforts.Cyber bullying is not just for children (do a search on adult cyber bullying).“Cyber bullying, like traditional bullying, involves an imbalance of power, aggression, and a negative action that is often repeated.”– Violence Prevention Works.How do we end rampant propagation of misinformation and hostile attacks in the digital realm? Participate yourself and support others in a civil manner. If attacked, provide support and remember to continue to use facts and remain civil. Remember that it’s not just about getting your point across; it’s also about how you do it.Let’s shine a light on those places where cyber bullying takes place. Take a screenshot of inappropriate behavior, particularly when you think that your post might be deleted by a biased moderator. Send those screen shots to: [email protected]. A website may be available to post these screenshots soon.So much has been said about the physical Morgan Hill, but what about the spirit and culture?I am confident the concerns of many issues in this election will be alleviated over time. What I am sure of right now is there has been an unpleasant shift in the spirit and culture within the digital realm in Morgan Hill.Isn’t how we treat each other just as important as issues like the concerns about how our community develops? Isn’t honesty and civil treatment more important than some focused issue?If we can get back to more honest and civil dialogues in our public digital conversations, I will certainly engage more. I hope others will too.John McKay is a Morgan Hill resident, city planning commissioner, president of the Downtown Association and co-founder of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance. 

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