Social media promised to improve public conversation. It was supposed to connect communities and make information easier to share. It really hasn’t worked out that way, though, has it?

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Online platforms reward speed, outrage, and attention. Rumors travel faster than facts, and arguments often drown out useful information. Over time, the result can be confusion, division, and a constant stream of noise.

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This is especially true in small communities, where local Facebook groups and comment threads sometimes become the loudest source of “news,” even when the information is incomplete or wrong.

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Healthy communities need something different. They need reliable local information. Reporting that is verified, accountable, and focused on what actually affects people’s lives.

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The answer isn’t better social media. It’s less of it, and more local news.