MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Politics and social media are creating strange bedfellows. This election season more people are using Facebook and Twitter to speak their minds. Both Shelby County Republicans and Democrats are utilizing social media sites and say sometimes things get out of control.
Some viewers told us social media sites are a way for them to express their political views, while others said they're sick and tired of all the politics and can't wait for election season to be over. All the while, acknowledging Facebook and politics may not mix.
"You have to separate your personal life from your political life from your professional life and you have to keep those three separate,” said Shelby County Democratic Chairman Van Turner.
"Sometimes we say things a little too quickly but I think it is very useful and yes campaigns have really used it a lot in this election,” said Shelby County Republican Chairman Justin Joy.
Political talk online has led some people to "unfriend" Facebook buddies; others think that's not right. We asked on ABC24's Facebook page if political Facebook comments were straining friendships. Here is what some of them said:
Alisha D. wrote, "Definitely not! Why not allow a forum to be able to educate, inform, and just laugh at some views!?! This is the great country that we live in. God Bless America."
Deanna F. said, "I have not and would not unfriend someone over politics. I do not discuss my political views, especially not on a public forum, such as Facebook. And if people post things to my wall with which I disagree, I either delete or ignore the posts.”
Lisa M. says she hasn't unfriended anyone on Facebook but has wanted to and said, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but some are going overboard!"
Veroncia B. posted, "Yes. I have seen an ugly, bigoted side to a handful of friends during the year's election. None had the guts to post anything directly to their pages. But they have liked and commented on some of the most racially offensive pages and photos I have ever seen. I was shocked and hurt."
Michael M. wrote, "I know of several people who have left FB altogether because of ranting and raves by inconsiderate people and their politics."
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