Why we should re-evaluate our relationship with social media to drive debate and drown out negative noise - Laura Collins, YEP editor

As a society we have never been better connected.

Social media has made it even easier to stay in touch with our extended network of family and friends across the globe.

At the simple click of a button speedy messages can be sent to those we may otherwise have lost contact with over the years.

But with this great power comes great responsibility for those who are faced with the challenge of trying to police this very different battlefield.

Last week Twitter chiefs announced plans to look at how online conversations can be improved including limiting who can reply to your tweets.

Social media is a modern day equivalent of the Wild West - the saloon doors have been taken off their hinges and replaced with a keyboard and mouse. It is all too easy for someone to tap out their thoughts.

It was only last month that Yorkshire Evening Post reporters came under attack from faceless individuals on social media calling into question the story of a young boy pictured on the floor at Leeds General Infirmary.

In an unprecedented move this title pinned its colours firmly to the mast to warn those using social media about the danger of taking unsubstantiated claims at face value.

Last week the headlines were dominated with the decision from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from the Royal Family and reevaluate their roles in society.

After a quick scroll through Twitter there are a whole host of comments from users - who have no doubt ever spoken to Meghan -assassinating her character. The language used against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on social media is nothing short of ugly.

Of course people are entitled to their own thoughts and opinions on matters of public debate - ranging from the Royal rift right through to the localised matters that impact you on your very own doorstep. Debate is vital to ensure that democracy not only survives but thrives. But what happens when that debate gets personal?

What happened to the mantra “If you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all”?

It begs the bigger question though and that is where would society even start when it comes to policing social media? Perhaps there needs to be greater regulation and accountability when it comes to tackling the war on the cesspit of social media?

Last week I unwittingly found my credentials being called into question because of my age on social media.

I often get asked about stereotypes when it comes to women - especially those who are career driven. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not easy to avoid aspersions being cast on your character when you’re a blonde/pink haired, petite female.

So as I go to bed this evening and lather on the face cream to beat the wrinkles and shrug off a minor comment about my age, there will be others who simply struggle to shrug off negative comments like it is water off a duck’s back.