The Handbook of Board Governance, 2nd Edition

22Reflections of a Board Chair on the Christchurch Massacre: Governing Social Media

Drew Stein

Board Chair and Professional Director

Introduction

For some considerable time now I've been concerned at the growth, influence, and impact as well as in particular the manner in which social media has been able to shape public attitudes. The “Me Too” movement plus other similar uses of social media channels have demonstrated the power that social media channels provide to various groups of individuals who use these channels to influence public opinion. While some may argue that social media provides a platform for minorities to get their messages across to the wider public, unfortunately it also provides a gateway without restriction for attitudes and doctrines which are morally offensive to the wider public to be espoused and promoted.

While writing my chapter addressing managing social media in a business sense for this publication an event happened in my country, New Zealand, which shook the very foundations of our society. Overnight we lost our innocence as a nation with the Christchurch Massacre. There has been an outpouring of grief across the country like I've never witnessed before affecting all levels of our society. We have all felt the hurt and sorrow for those affected and are continually questioning how this could have happened in our small slice of paradise which we all call home.

As we as a country are coming to grips with the aftermath of this tragic event answers ...