New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is pushing back against the notion that social media is fueling violence and unhealthy behavior trends in America, putting the blame instead on individuals.
“I think that we have to hold people responsible,” Christie said, pointing out that there were disturbed criminals in America before Twitter and Facebook.
Christie reacted to a comment made by CNBC hosts Joe Kernen and Becky Quick for pointing to the “dark side” of social media that was creating a volatile society.
“Social media I point to as a problem in exacerbating a lot of things that human nature used to have under control a little bit better,” Kernen said referring to the crazy nature of the presidential nomination campaign and the level of violence and vitriol in America.
Christie disagreed.
“So now we are going to blame Twitter or we are going to blame Facebook … well heck, I don’t think that’s the problem,” he said. “The problem is, the stuff we put on it. The stuff we put on it is a problem, you know who does that? Someone who takes their device out and types it in. It doesn’t get there by itself.”
Christie pointed out that more and more people are frustrated that there was no longer any accountability for one’s actions – especially among politicians.
“You have Hillary Clinton saying the law doesn’t apply to her … she makes jokes about it,” Christie said, referring to her Snapchat joke alluding to her deleted emails.
“She should be disqualified to run for President of the United States,” he added.