If managed well, technology can improve our schools and education, deepen social connectedness, expand civic engagement and even help advance our democracy.

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So, in contrast to the devastating domino effects of the global economic meltdown in 2008, in these cases social media is being used to demonstrate that our connectedness and interdependence within a global community can also be a force for good.

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But I really do think that social media, the internet, and the hyper-connectedness of modern Americans and especially young people has done more to shift public opinions than anything in the realm of politics could ever hope to achieve.

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