Speak Up on Social Media

Have you ever started to comment or post on social media, but self-censored for fear of offending or of being wrongly perceived? Social media offers countless opinions on polarizing topics. Yet what you see on your feed may not be representative of most people’s thoughts. Recent BYU research finds that those who identify as politically extreme are often more vocal than the middle majority. To speak up online, the researchers say to dodge identity politics (emphasizing political affiliation) and instead focus on policies. “You can stand up for rational, moderate viewpoints and maintain your friendships,” assures public-relations professor Devin T. Knighton (BA ’05).