Social media is not just an addiction for children, adults are also fed a litany of poorly researched, emotionally charged opinions, brilliantly presented with the best that Al can conjure, yet each time targeting the insecurities and frustrations of an angry audience wanting to vent. Spending time online comes at the cost of ignoring the rational input of friends who might otherwise constructively ridicule our newly acquired wacky ideas. While not commenting on the situation where pianist Jayson Gilliam repeated distorted views about Palestine before a surprised audience, the question must surely be: when should we react to a worthy cause that deserves our positive response? (“Pianist delivers a recital in lies and deception”, DT, 19/5). On the bright side, at the recent New South Wales State Finals of the Lions Club Youth of the Year Competition in Canberra, student Rudi Walker-Sangster from Quirindi High School explored that precise question in a brilliant speech about social media’s frustrating aspects and its failure to achieve any valuable purpose most of the time. With an excess of dubious content, many are left mindlessly scrolling, searching for entertainment on which to scavenge our opinions for tomorrow. That these ideas are being considered by the leaders of the future is surely reassuring and inspiring. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 20May2026