The impact of our words on our social media followers.
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Facebook Needs A 'Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself' Policy When It Comes To The Comments Section

We never know exactly how our social media posts will resonate with our followers. I'm following social media trends, listening to others' reactions, and learning as I go to help make a healthy and loving online environment.

171
c1.staticflickr.com

How many times have you had Facebook or Twitter fights in the last year or so? How many of those arguments have been about politics? I try my best to avoid political issues online because they often blow up in my face. But I don't think we should feel scared to voice our opinions online. They're what we believe. We all have biases. We all have political affiliations. We all have baggage. These are things we should keep in mind as we have online disputes.

Often these fights become about more than just what we believe. They become about the people themselves. How did we come to be so hateful to one another? As a follower of Christ and empathetic human being, I am dedicated to making sure everyone I interact with feels comfortable and heard when I listen, even in an Internet setting. It's definitely harder to get that across online, but we can still show our empathy and care for others in different ways. Instead of practicing care, many times we type out our responses without thinking of how the other person may feel or how they may react to our words. It's especially difficult when we don't have body language or tone to put the words into context - we have to simply rely on the words we post, which can be tricky.

I find that rereading what I wrote before I post can be helpful in interpreting what's really behind my words. There's just something about reading words out loud that turns on a lightbulb in our brains signaling whether the words are spoken (or written, I guess, since they're typed out) from a place of hatred and defensiveness or if they are spoken in love and compassion. Taking the time to really read between the lines of our posts can cease disputes and ensure that we are not saying anything with the intention to hurt others.

When it comes down to it, we are all human beings who are meant to live on this Earth for different purposes, ideas, and opinions. If we all believed the same thing, the world would be such a monotonous and boring place to live! There's nothing wrong with a friendly discussion about politics or tough issues - it's when these discussions are taken to the next level and turned into arguments. Putting ourselves in the readers' shoes can help us understand how other people may receive our words. Even if they are "just facts," there is bias and a certain tone beneath every post whether intentional or unintentional. The best thing to do is to be aware of what you are saying and how what you're saying can be perceived or taken in a way in which you didn't intend.

I know that I have to check myself and reread my words before I hit "send" to make sure I don't post out of anger or hatred.

If I'm not in the right mindset to reply in a kind and caring way, I either wait to post or don't post at all. I always remember the phrase, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." We seem to have forgotten that age-old saying in this age of social media. Words matter, whether they are spoken, written, or typed. Let me say it again - words matter. I strongly encourage each and every one of you to remember the power of words the next time you're thinking of posting something potentially offensive or harmful. Instead of the hatred often seen in our news feeds, let's fill social media with love and care. Taking the time to consider your words and the meaning behind them is a step in the right direction.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40265
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24860
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950595
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

131419
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments