In James Othmer’s Sept. 13 column for the New York Times, he criticizes the use of Web sites like Twitter and Facebook for spreading political messages.

Othmer argues that venues like prime-time television are the only acceptable means for politicians such as President Obama to get the word out on issues, such as the proposed health care reform plan. Othmer says that using sites like Twitter, which only allows status updates of 140 characters at a time, severely restricts the accuracy and coherency of the information being posted.

I cannot disagree with this point. It’s true that anyone who relies solely on Twitter to update themselves on the President’s policies and plans will end up confused and misinformed. But as a supplement to other means of spreading information, like Othmer’s preferred speeches on prime-time TV, it can be quite effective.

We live in an age of technology; most people are connected to their computers at least once a day. Many have Blackberries, iPhones or mini laptops to stay connected throughout their entire day. I read Othmer’s column on the New York Times’ Web site; I never would have seen it otherwise.

We use the Internet to keep connected, to exchange news and information with one another. Should all politicians stop using Facebook, Twitter and YouTube just to avoid confusing the few who only get their political updates from those sites? Of course not. Social networking sites are very valuable to politicians and organizations who want to spread awareness on what they are doing. Some people who otherwise would not have read or watched speeches may become interested after seeing blurbs posted on Facebook and Twitter. Those already following politics closely welcome quick, easy-to-read updates on a daily basis.

The Internet, like every other form of media, is a tool. It is not good or bad, productive or unproductive. That all depends on the user. Some people might get all their information on the health care reform issue from Twitter, just like some people only listen to country music on the radio or watch “The Simpsons” on TV. It would be foolish for politicians to withdraw from the Internet entirely just to avoid those people, when so many more can benefit from the services that these Web sites provide.