Michelle Obama tells youths: Don’t ‘tweet every thought’

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama responds to a question from poet Elizabeth Alexander during the second day of the Obama Foundation Summit on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

CHICAGO – Former United States First Lady Michelle Obama said words matter, particularly in an age where Twitter and other social media can be used like a weapon.

Addressing a summit of young leaders on Wednesday hosted by the Obama Foundation, Mrs. Obama said people should not “tweet every thought” because “first initial thoughts are not worthy of the light of day.”

Obama quickly added she was not “talking about anybody in particular” as her commented drew laughter from the crowd.

She also emphasized that when people send a tweet, especially young people, they need to think it over, spell correctly, and use good grammar.

Obama also talked about growing up on Chicago’s South Side with working class parents who have kept her grounded.

Former President Barack Obama is expected to speak at the closing of the two-day young leaders’ conference also on Wednesday.  /kga