It’s a lesson we would do well to remember everytime we get excited or annoyed with social media. Depsite it’s massive reach Social Media isn’t the real world.

Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

In politics I learned this a long time ago. If twitter was the electorate Labour would have won in 2017 and 2019. But it isn’t. Like most platforms Twitter is unrepresentaive of the wider public mood. 

Algorithms create and reinforce our own echo chambers and many moderates ( I place myself in this category) won’t engage with the more extreme views on these platforms for fear of abuse and trolling. I gave up on the some Labour Facebook groups during the Corbyn era. I just didn’t have the energy to get into pointless arguments with the cultists. It takes a lot of energy and effort to engage. And who has ever changed their mind after an argument on social media? 

So as you can see from this latest data from YouGov — (await nonsense about polling ) — the public is way ahead of Johnson and the government on Lockdown. Lke #Brexit he has listened far too much to the new ERG — the CGR wing of his party and not enough to the sensible centre and wider public! Whilst I do plenty of social media I have learned not to take it face value and have always relied on conversations and listening to a wide range of opinions. Its good to be challenged in your thinking. Sadly #Lockdown has reduced those opportunities and it is one of the things I am really looking forward to see return. 

How do Brits feel about the new national lockdown? | YouGov

Overall, the vast majority (85%) of Britons support the national lockdown measures introduced across the UK this week, including 62% who “strongly” support them. This compares to 93% of Britons who supported the first national lockdown in March 2020.

Only 11% of Britons are opposed to the new measures, including 5% who are “somewhat” opposed and 6% who are “strongly” opposed to the new measures.

The lesson is listen and get outside your echo chamber. You will find is quite refreshing and informative!