First, the article you reference takes some of his comments out of context. Trent does not say that social media is for idiots, but instead that some idiots ruin social media for some people. Before I address the situation specifically, I encourage you to read Trent Reznor’s post, http://forum.nin.com/bb/read.php?9,731489.

The two-way communication that Trent provided his fans/followers was phenomenal and far beyond any other actor/artist I know of – sure, Ashton Kutcher tweets like mad, but he does not engage his followers like Reznor. Trent has done a PHENOMENAL job raising nearly a million dollars to help a fan in need – just search for "Reznor Eric" or "Eric’s army" to find out more. Unfortunately, the trolls of the Internet jumped all over Trent and the organizers about this and others things. When social media results in death threats, it isn’t fun. It is unfortunate that Reznor has succumbed to these trolls, but so it goes!

I realize my comment has been a little scatter-brained, but basically, social media is a powerful way for celebrities to communicate with their fans, but also those that wish to bring them down. When someone lives in the public eye as much as someone like Reznor, they must draw the line when the attacks get too personal and serious. This is one of the inherent dangers with social media and something that continue as the trolls cruise the Internet.

I hope this addresses your comment!

Cole