Minneapolis to pay social media influencers to spread messages

[kelkel]

If you read the article is actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. If they can influence the masses not to riot and damage the city, etc then it's money well spent. Am I a fan that it's come to this? Hell no, but it is what it is.

[tarmyg]

but it is what it is.

Feels like a phrase we have to use way to often these days.

[Hughinn]

What type of messages? If it’s things like reminders about a parade, food event, or road work, then it’s fine.

If you read the article is actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. If they can influence the masses not to riot and damage the city, etc then it's money well spent. Am I a fan that it's come to this? Hell no, but it is what it is.

To me, the two posts above sum it up.

I also see nothing wrong with the city using a sort of "herald" to disseminate news. Like test m said. Or to try to keep rioting from occuring like kel said.

I'm just not sure that I can agree with them formally using taxpayers money to"influence public opinion". If they're allowed to use your money to influence public opinion that favors them, then how will opposition views ever get heard or get fair and equal consideration?

I guess in my mind, a municipality or governments policy opinions should be guided by the sentiment of it's citizens, not the other way around.

So this doesn't seem right to me, when looked at objectively. And not because of what the intentions in any particular instance may or may not be, but because it's fundamentally backwards to the idea of democracy and government of the people.

I guess my concern, isn't necessarily what the current objective is by taking such a course of action. Because test and kel are right in thier points of it being potentially helpful.

But, it's where such a course of action can ultimately lead. And by accepting or normalizing those actions for a perceived short term benefit , we set ourselves up for the inevitable long term consequences.