Social Media?

Playground of the Antisocial

It’s playtime for them
And just like playground bullies 
They’ve no empathy 

But let's not make the mistake
of putting it down to ignorance
They have an excellent understanding 
and are fully aware of their actions
They know exactly what it takes
to push somebody over the edge

They’ll induce or trigger reactions 
For their own pleasure
For fun
Their words or postings cut deep
Sometimes fatally so

We’ve set them up nicely
Handed over the means
And the opportunity
To carry out their destructive actions
On platforms we’ve provided for them

We’ve even given them the green light
To carry on freely without challenge

Who’s going to stop them?
The governing bodies are gutless
Do very little to protect society
Isn't that what they’ve been set up to do?

But no, the cunt whose words pushed a vulnerable teenager to take their own life 
Is left free to continue wielding his virtual knife 

Oh no, you can't say the c-word!
That's offensive
We can't have that
We have a duty to protect society

Oh yeah, you'll do something for that!

Don't stress or make a judgement
It's not a word I really use 
But it makes the point

We get our knickers in a twist
Over petty, insignificant misdemeanours
Yet let glaring actions that threaten the very foundation of society go unchallenged

It's time we grew up
Grew some balls
(Oh no, you can't say that!)
And dealt with what is a real danger to society
Before it's too late

Every level of society is at risk 
The public bashing of Prince Harry and Meghan is a perfect example 
Very personal attacks
Coming at them from all corners
It was bad enough for his mother
To deal with the paparazzi
But they've social media 
All over them too

What is the point of a regulator if they do nothing to protect people?
Though I'm sure if Harry publicly called one of their attackers a cunt 
(I rarely use the word, honestly!)
They'd be on him in a flash
However, Harry's foul word would probably have more of a ring of authenticity than his attacker's apparent claims

It's time regulators stopped hiding behind the excuse of the ridiculously open-ended freedom of speech

And the operators of such platforms
Aren't doing enough
Putting money (it's business, innit!)
And the huge attention and audience that such negativity inevitably draws 
Above any moral decency

So the means and opportunity
Were handed over on a plate
As for motive
They’ve had their dark motives all along
Didn't only become destructive
With the onset of social media
It was always bubbling under the surface
They just needed a way to release it
And we obliged

How many ruined or lost lives
Do we have to see
At the hands of such bullies
Before we do something?

Anxiety, depression and suicide figures
Are as rampant as the numbers jumping onto the latest trending social media app

That’s no coincidence! 

As with any development that opens up an opportunity for progress

It also opens up boundless opportunities for the sick minded!