German president laments 'loss of thoughtfulness' on social media
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed concern about the consequences of the changing media landscape.
There is a fundamental shift in political communication, Steinmeier told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper in an interview published on Saturday.
"The debate is moving from the quality media to social networks - and that is profoundly changing our democracy."
In traditional media, he said, there is room for differentiation, for weighing up the pros and cons. "Social media, on the other hand, works on a black-and-white principle, on a yes or no basis. This loss of thoughtfulness is worrying."
"[Protecting liberal values] also means taking action online and not leaving the field to those who threaten our democracy," Steinmeier added.
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