June Garen: Social media-free February is a good idea for all politicians

To The Daily Sun,

At a time when political violence is rising, and misinformation spreads faster than facts, our democracy is suffering from politics driven by outrage and algorithms. That is why Carleigh Beriont’s decision to run a social media-free campaign for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District deserves attention.

As vice chair of the Hampton Selectboard, Beriont has seen how chasing clicks and trying to go viral can erode trust and make genuine, face-to-face conversation harder. Social media rewards conflict, not collaboration — and our politics increasingly reflects that reality.

Instead of performing for the internet, Beriont is showing up in communities and engaging directly with voters. In a moment when many people feel disconnected from politics, this approach offers a meaningful alternative.

She has also invited the other candidates in the race to join her for one month in February — “Social Media-Free February.” The challenge is simple: put the phones down, stop creating content, and focus on listening. If candidates truly value connecting with voters, this should not be a difficult ask.

Beriont is hosting a public discussion, “Can Democracy Survive Social Media?” at the Wolfeboro Public Library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. I hope other candidates accept her February challenge, and I look forward to continuing this important conversation in Wolfeboro.

June Garen

Gilmanton