Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 21, 2021 ~ Guest Commentary ~ Social Media and the Impact on Policy O By Craig Spadafora ver the course of my 10 years serving as a Councilor, one of the biggest changes has been the impact of Social Media on every aspect of our lives. Of course, it has provided us all a convenient way to stay connected with family and friends in a way not possible before. It’s hard to argue that’s anything but good. It has also provided a forum for all to express their opinion on a variety of issues, including those that drive actions we take as a City Council body. Just how to incorporate that into policy making is more complicated than it may seem. A 2021 Pew Research study on social media usage shows that the two most dominant forms of social media by far are YouTube and Facebook. It also shows that usage by age group varies widely. While 90% of those between the ages of 30-49 are users of YouTube, less than 50% of those 65+ are. Similarly, while 77% of those 30-49 are users of Faceitive adulation that goes with playing to the Facebook crowd? A look at the most recently Craig Spadafora book, less than 50% of those 65+ are. It’s likely that the disparity is even greater when you factor in the intensity and frequency of use by each age group. The challenge for policy makers is pretty evident. How do we avoid the temptation to develop policy that is overly influenced by social media when we know that the voices of our most experienced and active voters are vastly underrepresented? After all, who doesn’t want the posANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.759 Mid Unleaded $2.879 Super $3.019 Diesel Fuel $2.899 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.569 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS completed citywide election further highlights the pitfalls of social media driven policy making. The last citywide election saw an average voter age of over 55 years old. Participation amongst those aged 65+ continues to be stronger than any other age group, by far. Our senior population is both growing and active in the democratic process. If I’ve learned nothing else over the years, I’ve learned that there is no substitute for life experience. The wisdom and experience of our seniors is an extraordinary asset. Spend 30 minutes talking to someone who has been around and seen things for 75 years, and you will come away feeling smarter and humbled. Our seniors are full of experience, engaged, and want to be heard. I can’t help but come to the inescapable conclusion that driving policy making with social media input as the main factor marginalizes the voices of our seniors. It’s easy to convince yourself that those yelling the loudest represent everyone, especially if the views align with your own. They don’t. There is no doubt It will take hard work to make sure the opinions, the life experiences, the voices of our seniors are factored into policy making in a world dominated by social media. After all, it’s not just a ‘click away’. I say it’s worth it. The end result will be policy making that truly is representative of the people, ALL the people. —Craig Spadafora is currently a Malden councillor-at-large. Maplewood rapper, producer seeks to expand fan base By Tara Vocino A Maplewood area rapper is looking to be noticed for his uniqueness. Self-taught rapper/singer/songwriter/music producer/engineer Jeffriel Lichtenberg, 27, who grew up in Linden but now lives in Maplewood, is selling his music on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon. What sets “Jeffrey iLL,” his persona name, apart from other artists is that he hopes that people can relate in order to find confidence in themselves. He knew he wanted to pursue music professionally when he performed “Love the way you lie” by Eminem and Rihanna. “When I was little, I was overweight and had different interests, such as anime and cartoons, than my peers,” Lichtenberg said. “I hope people can escape and find purpose through my lyrics.” The Malden High School alum (’12) ran track, was a midfielder in lacrosse and a small forward in basketball. He has also collaborated with Malden High alumni Shakarus Semexant (’11) and Carlos Norris (’15) on tracks “Lost hearts” and “Never Fumble.” Lichtenberg’s girlfriend Gabriella Santos, of Saugus, said his sound is incredibly unique and makes her want to dance, especially his electronic song “Start Again.” “It comes from a creative space in my heart,” Lichtenberg said. “There’s no limit to my imagination.” Malden High School alum Anthony Volmar, a rapper/ songwriter and actor, said his collaboration artist is his own entity, virtually producing and writing the song by himself. They perform R & B, rap, and electronic music together. “He’s an artist like no other,” Volmar said. “‘Linden Forever,’ which is an anthem about back-in-theday, is my favorite song.” The Medford assistant preschool teacher, who hopes to transition into music as a career, signed a record deal with electronic labels Jendex Records and NoFace Records in 2020. For information, visit jeffreyiLL.com or linden forever.com. Century 21 North East THE SPRING MARKET IS IN FULL BLOOM! Contact me today to review properties on the market or for a FREE Market Value Analysis of Realtor Phil Terban C21Phil.com 781-864-4414 your home! ® Rappers Anthony Volmar and Jeffriel Litchenberg, both of Malden, are shown in the recording studio. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Prices subject to change Spring is around the Corner! FLEET
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