Francisco has been heard on hundreds of radio stations (e.g., WTOP FM, Washington, DC; KOGO 600 AM, San Diego) speaking about a darker side of social media, namely, how it creates an environment reducing language and thought, how it encourages the “follower” phenomenon aggravated by the need for users to seek excessive approval, and how it makes users oriented toward and sometimes obsessed with others, including celebrities, rather focusing on themselves and their own thoughts. He addresses solutions to this in his newest book, “Beyond Hashtag Culture” due out in the next month.

If you would like to comment on this cultural phenomenon, or have any questions, or would like information on how to purchase the book, please enter information below along with your email and we will reply promptly. Thank you.

Corrected: Hello and Happy weekend! To those of you in the path of the current rash of hurricanes near the Caribbean an the U.S., please take all necessary precautions to be safe.

In today’s web show, Francisco reads us a letter from an old friend who finds himself in some artistically murky waters, trying to help himself and a friend. Enjoy!