Neil Young Strongly Condemns Social Media in Essay Regarding Storming of U.S. Capitol

Never one to hold back from sharing his perspective on topical issues, Neil Young has posted a lengthy essay on his Neil Young Archives website, a reaction from the iconic singer/songwriter to the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. by supporters of President Trump.

Of particular focus in Young’s essay is, unsurprisingly, the President, but he pulls back a fit further to direct attention at social media in general, and how it is utilized by those in power.

“With social media, issues are turned to psychological weapons and used to gather hatred in support of one side or the other. This is what Donald J. Trump has as his legacy,” he stated.

Such sentiment is consistent for Young, an outspoken critic of platforms such as Facebook, which he abandoned years ago.

“I still have my strong beliefs. That has not changed. But now I feel empathy for the people who have been so manipulated and had their beliefs used as political weapons. I may be among them. I wish internet news was two-sided. Both sides represented on the same programs. social media, at the hands of powerful people — influencers, amplifying lies and untruths, is crippling our belief system, turning us against one another. 

“We are not enemies. We must find a way home.”

Elsewhere in Young’s essay, he condemned the violent attack on the Capitol building, noting that he was hit with “both sadness and compassion” at what unfolded.

“Resentment of the Democratic party among the insurrectionists at the Capitol was rampant. We don’t need this hate,” he said. “We need discussion and solutions. Respect for one another’s beliefs.”

Click here to read the full statement, via the Neil Young Archives.