Role of social media in public debate

Sir, – For once I agree wholeheartedly with John Waters (“Venomous and toxic social media out of control”, Opinion Analysis, …

Sir, – For once I agree wholeheartedly with John Waters (“Venomous and toxic social media out of control”, Opinion Analysis, January 4th). In fact, I would argue it has been all downhill since Gutenberg. Surely Mr Waters would agree that the mechanical moveable type press and all its descendants should be rounded up and destroyed as punishment for all the venomous and toxic media they have produced. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK COSTELLO,

Wellington Place,

Dublin 2.

A chara, – The growing online trend of “trolling” people or initiatives working to improve the situation in Ireland is depressing. Nobody disagrees that Ireland hit a low point in recent years. Few would deny that discussion and debate are fundamental to a functioning democratic society.

We must, however, move beyond the blame game, take our finger off the self-destruct button and try our best to restore the nation – or make it better than ever.

At the very least, we should show respect for our compatriots and fellow human beings, whether we agree with them or not. – Is mise,

ÁINE MAGUIRE,

The Gasworks,

Dublin 4 .