Our generation is simultaneously incredibly intelligent and painfully ignorant. We have all the information in the world available to us at the touch of a button, but often chose to ignore it in favor of our own biases and assumptions, which, naturally, we believe to be paramount above all others. It would be fairly simple for us to teach ourselves a new language using the Internet, or to become educated about political issues here in the US and around the world. Instead, we squander away hours editing the perfect selfie to post, or set up camp at our laptops monitoring the latest developments in Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick’s dramatic breakup.
At the end of the day, this isn’t what bothers me the most. If you are really, truly interested in what color Miley Cyrus’s underwear was three days ago, then more power to you. My problem with our generation and the Internet is that everyone seems to have an opinion about everything, and the manner in which they choose to express it definitely leaves something to be desired.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The awareness that has come with the age of information and the subsequent empowerment of people my age is an absolutely INCREDIBLE achievement. Many of us feel it is our responsibility to make this world a better place, to right the mistakes of our parents and grandparents so that we can become the biggest force of positive change the world has ever seen. And I think that’s absolutely-friggin’-tastic. I’m excited to see the world we can create together.
However, I am entirely fed up with the entitlement I observe running rampant on the Internet nowadays. I see far too many hateful, fiery posts on social media sites (and all around the Internet) that never fail to make my blood boil, regardless of whether the opinion expressed mirrors my own. The Internet is a wonderful tool that allows us to exercise our First Amendment rights; however, when there is no basis of fact or level of decency required for us to post our opinions, things can get out of hand. Whenever I see these outbursts, I wish I could guide the friend who posted them through something that I like to call my “Guide to Facebook Rants.” It goes a little something like this:
1. What do you intend to gain by sharing this post? If your answer has anything to do with shaming a certain person or group of people because they’re different from you, stop right now. If you want to engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue, then by all means proceed; just be prepared for people to disagree.
2. Telling somebody that their opinion is wrong is not the same as educating them.
3. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. You will never get anyone to see your point of view if you criticize his or her lifestyle or beliefs. Approach differing opinions with an open mind and a kind heart.
4. As Aretha Franklin once said, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If you wouldn’t want someone saying these words to your grandmother, don’t say them yourself.
5. Be aware of your privilege and perspective. Consider that you may not understand every side of every issue.
6. Refuse to react to intentionally provocative statements. Be the bigger person, and walk away if you have to. It is so easy to type that rude, hateful comment and press send when we are hiding behind a computer screen. Don’t stoop to that level.
7. Realize that the end goal of a debate is not necessarily one party surrendering to the opinion of the other party. It is more than likely that those who came into the conversation with differing opinions will leave with differing opinions. The motive behind the post should not be to ‘win’ or ‘prove someone wrong,’ but rather to promote a culture of intelligent and respectful conversation, and maybe even learn something new!
At the end of the day, don’t just post something. Do something. Go out into your community and volunteer. Participate in marches and rallies held by groups and causes that you believe in. Join clubs at school, church, or work that stand up for the rights of the oppressed. Speak out in your congressional district for positive change you believe in. Start conversations about difficult issues with friends, coworkers, and family (preferably in person and not online), and set an example of what civil, intellectual debate should look like. Don’t be afraid of being wrong, and always approach life willing to learn. Stand strong in your beliefs, and respect others’ right to do the same.
