I’m taking a break from Twitter for a couple of days. Even the most benign tweets - im sure even this one! - result in rage and insults. I engage here a *lot* bc I think it’s important for journalists to do so - to show that they are real people with real thoughts. But...
...im not sure how to strike a balance. This website is a way for me to talk to ppl who otherwise wouldn’t reach out. It’s a way to keep up with news from parts of the country im not in. But it’s not real life. And the daily contest to see who can be most outraged is exhausting.
Idk what the solution is or if there is one. I don’t expect twitter to ban everyone who is annoying. I’m not willing to mute notifications from ppl who don’t follow me or ignore my mentions. This is a two way platform - the point is a two way conversation. But honestly. HONESTLY.
Anyway, I have nothing deep to add. I don’t think this website has, in recent months, helped me be a better more aware reporter or hear voices I wouldn’t otherwise listen to. I think it’s just become a vessel for loud people to be louder.
So if you want to reach out during this break you can email jessica.huseman@ProPublica.org or call the number on the website. I respond to every single email from readers with questions and always pick up my phone.
(I’ll still be tweeting from @electionland bc I’m paid in money to tweet from there but ain’t NOBODY paying me to tweet from here so)
