Through use of social media, I have found incredibly different sides to many of my friends. Aside from learning their political views (which will not influence whether I continue to consider someone a friend, might I add), I have learned a great deal about where they get their information and to what extent they will educate themselves. To my dismay, I quickly learned that many of my friends are much quicker to jump on a bandwagon than to seek for facts, whatever the case in discussion may be.

You likely already know what is happening in Charlotte, NC at this point. If not, please read about it here. I currently live in Charlotte, as do many of my friends. Even those who do not live in the area have been voicing their opinions on the recent actions of both our law enforcement officers as well as our civilians. While I have no issue whatsoever with hearing everyone's opinions, it is stunning how many people refuse to educate themselves. Before fighting with your friends on Facebook or threatening a police officer or civilian, learn the issue. Talk to a police officer, talk to neighbors, read reliable articles on the internet, watch the videos of the incident. Before you voice your opinion and include something that is false, do your research to avoid doing so.

If you know me personally, you know I am an extreme animal advocate. I am a part of multiple animal welfare Facebook groups and volunteer with two animal shelters. I will not tip-toe around your feelings when I realize there is an animal in danger, and I will never apologize for that. But, this week I noticed many uneducated people talking down on a fellow volunteer for both voicing her opinion and explaining that someone was actually breaking the law with the manner in which they care for their pets. Before you decide to attack someone publicly, and attack their character, make sure you know what you're talking about. If you think someone is giving you false information, find out for yourself. Call the police station and ask to speak to an animal control officer, or call your local shelter. They can tell you the laws, without hesitation. When you try to lecture someone who has devoted their life to a specific topic about how "wrong" they are, you have initiated an argument and lesson that you are not prepared for and will not soon forget.

My entire point is, before you comment, make sure you are informed. Don't become a "Dot-com - Doctor," but do your research. There are reliable sources to check up on anything, and with the internet at our fingertips, you have access to these sources instantly. This doesn't necessarily have to be Googling your question, but rather look up the phone number for someone who is an expert and can educate you. If you're intending to start a fire, make sure your information is fuel, not water.