Final answer:
The public airing of grievances on social media has the benefit of rapid attention and community support but comes with risks of harm to reputations and the spread of misinformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rise of social media platforms has led to a range of consequences for public discourse and personal expression. On one hand, the ease of expressing complaints on social media can lead to the swift addressing of grievances by companies or authorities, and also provides a platform for solidarity among users with similar experiences.
Social media has altered how we make choices and engage with information, as seen in how individuals might choose a university based on its social media presence. It has also become an avenue for groups to facilitate collective actions and express opinions, such as environmental activism efforts.
Furthermore, the proliferation of social media has been linked to the potential spread of fake news and extremist content, posing a threat to democracy as acknowledged by lawmakers.