Hillary Clinton: Social media provides 'opportunities' and is 'not a weapon'
Hillary Clinton, yesterday discussed the strengths of social media during a visit to Silicon Valley, saying that sites like Twitter and Facebook should be used for “real conversation” and not as “a weapon” to hurt others.
Clinton addresses questions sent via #askclinton
During a Q&A session at Twitter headquarters in San Francisco’, Clinton answered questions sent to her via the hashtag #AskHillary – which was used 143 times during the event.
The most packed I have seen our headquarters at Twitter in anticipation for @hillaryclinton to speak. #askhillary pic.twitter.com/bIeamC4lKO
— Eugene Yi (@eugeneyi) July 22, 2014
The potential presidential candidate, who was promoting her book ‘Hard Choices', discussed the pitfalls of social media, she said: “We have a lot of people communicating, but they're not listening and they're not looking for common ground that they could occupy together.
"It is a fact of social media right now that too often people use it as a weapon instead of an opportunity.”
She acknowledged that social media platforms open up users to criticism but commented that it was not always a bad thing: “Sometimes your critics can be your best friends as they will tell you things that your friends, supporters and family will not tell you, so you do need to listen.
“In the public and even the private sector, you will come under criticism.”
Clinton spoke of her experiences, despite not having a Facebook account and only joining Twitter last years.
She said that to do anything: “You have to be comfortable in your own skin and confident about who you are. And that is hard to do."
Actor James Woods even tweeted the former first lady about her presidential aspirations.
#AskHillary To what degree does your foreign policy strategy differ from Mr. Obama's and, if significantly in any area, why? — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 21, 2014
The 66-year old, who dodged presidential questions, said: "Having women leaders send a message to half the population of the world that they are truly included, and that their full participation is not only expected, but wanted."
Clinton also visited Facebook headquarters on Monday in a tour of the Silicon Valley.