Despite being of a certain vintage, I am aware that it is a mugs' game to wish that the clocks could be turned back. Like Brexiteers trying to hold back the tide of globalisation, railing against the power of social media is futile. It is here and its power and influence is only going to grow. The 'Yellow Vest' movement in France has demonstrated to President Macron that ignoring the power of the people mobilised through the internet has serious consequences. He was forced He was forced to give way and make concessions that will mark his presidency for the remainder of his term in office. 

There is an anarchic element to this new kid on the block. It can be used both for good and bad. Its effect on elections in the UK and US is only now being assessed and understood and global powers have woken up to its potential to ferment unrest and spread disinformation.No longer are ideas in the ownership of the intelligentsia or a powerful establishment. Your ideas, or mine, expressed to those who will take notice are as good as anyone else's. Advertisers are targeting people to buy goods or services and opinion former's are targeting those whose political opinions are likely to be swayed one way or the other. Facebook and other platforms have already faced the music and it is likely that regulation of the internet will be required. However, in a globalised world how can this be done when accounts can be based anywhere in the world? It is a challenge for nation states.

There has been a lot of attention paid to the work of those who engage in public life, such as politicians. Our parliamentarians are not covering themselves with glory over the Brexit deadlock. I judge that the public will not forgive the House of Commons if an orderly withdrawal from Europe is not achieved, and how that will play out in terms of social unrest in this new age is anyone's guess. As a 'Remainer' I am coming to the conclusion that the process must take its course, however damaging that is to the national interest, but we need to find a way of causing as little economic harm as possible. 

My concern for our politicians is the vitriol they face on the internet. One of my Jewish parliamentary friends has suffered a barrage of abuse via social media but she is not alone. All 650 MPs face torrents of abuse just because they have chosen to try and make a difference through engaging with political life. I wonder who on earth will put themselves forward in the future. We have already seen one assassination and when this is coupled with the rise of far right right terrorism, we are moving into very dangerous territory indeed. The debacle over Brexit will only make this worse. 

It is lovely to be able to connect freely with those we love and to encourage and congratulate those who have something to celebrate. Social media can be a wonderful way of holding us together. Our Workplace platform allows our staff to interact and support one another both in their work and personal lives and it is a great tool of communication. 

But we need to find a way of catching and punishing those who post comments which, if made face to face, would lead to arrest and criminal charges as well as removing content on public platforms which is hostile and undermining to others.We must be as free from harm in the world out there in the ether as we are whilst walking our streets. This may be a challenge but it is one the world must face.