Does social media cause us to self censor?
Charlotte Higgins of the Guardian thinks it might.
I think there are two elements to this question:
1) Do we hold back on giving our opinions?
2) Do we stiifle ourselves creatively in favor of what the majority will like?
As for the first, frankly I wish some of us practiced more self control before spewing whatever nonsense pops into our heads (myself included). I’ve tried for the most part to keep my political opinions to myself, stepping in only for needed calls for civility or common sense. I’ve contemplated doing a My “Controversial” Views post, but frankly I don’t think that would be very interesting to all of you, especially those who come mainly for the writing.
About the second I’m not really sure. Since my audience includes my dad, my mother in law, and several coworkers, there probably are some topics and stories I don’t write. But I have tried to mettle with some dark subject matter, particularly with regard to Foxconn. I can’t say I can think of a story I’ve left out because of audience response, but I do try to play to what people like, sometimes resulting in too much sentimentality.
I do agree with the writer’s frustration at people who comment without reading. Fortunately I don’t see it all that often here (because you guys are a special bunch), but I do see this all too often on news forums or Facebook.
I do think we should always take care with what we say, and realize some topics are bound to cause disagreement (I’m looking at you Adam 🙂 ). But fear that someone won’t like what we write is no reason not to.
In fact it’s all the more reason we should.
[BTW] : Ben Trube, Writer 
If you write to please everyone, you’ll interest no-one.
Have you seen this list?
How to Feel Miserable as an Artist
I point you to numbers 7 and 8. 🙂
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