You've probably heard about the Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you wish to be treated." I have heard this line repeated over and over again throughout my life, yet as I grow older, no one seems to understand the meaning of this phrase. In grade school, middle school, and even high school, bullies were reprimanded for threatening, hitting, cyber bullying, teasing, and a whole array of different things. As I've gotten to used to college life, I see more and more people threatening each other, whether it's in person or online. Is it because we aren't in a place where we will be put in time outs or scolded for saying whatever we feel like? What does "treat others the way you wish to be treated" mean and why does the word "others" not include everyone? And how can you be respectful on media towards people who aren't respectful toward you?
"Treat others the way you wish to be treated."
This is a very old saying that has a very deep meaning. There are variations of this phrase in almost every religion. And it simply means that if you don't want something done to you, don't do it to someone else. Treat someone with the respect that you would want others to give to you. If others don't give you the respect that you deserve, then they are not showing respect for others. So it is very important to treat others with respect. "Others" doesn't mean just people that you like, either. It means everyone. We are all human beings and we all live together on this planet. It is important to learn how to get along with everyone, not just the people most like us. Some people may think the word "others" doesn't include everyone because everyone has a different perception of what "others" means. I was taught that it means everyone. Recognizing that the Golden Rule includes everyone is the first step in being respectful on media. Realize that you are talking to another human being on the other side of the screen.
Be Respectful in Responses
When you respond to something you disagree with, be respectful. If someone is ranting about something you disagree with, don't retaliate. Respond with calmness and be to-the-point. Anger often leads nowhere. More often than not, when a post makes me really angry, I try to wait at least a couple hours to respond so I don't end up saying something that I regret. It's easy to respond with anger but wise to respond with a clear head. The most important thing is to know that it can wait. It may make you angry, but nothing beats a well-throughout, respectful response. Another important thing to note is that if people are being disrespectful towards you, that's an issue that they need to sort out themselves. It may have nothing to do with you. Just take the high road.
Unfriend/Block if Necessary
There are several people that I've had to unfriend or block on several social media platforms and that's okay. If they aren't respecting you and you're respecting them, then you may have to draw some boundaries. Drawing boundaries is not disrespectful; it's actually pretty mature and realizing what is important for your well-being. If people are saying really crummy things to you, don't engage with them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. Knowing when to block/unfriend someone shows that you have respect for yourself, which is also very important.
Wrap Up
Being respectful on media is very important. It not only shows that you know how to communicate, but communicate professionally. I talked about the Golden Rule and how "others" means everyone, how to be respectful when someone else isn't, and that it is okay to block/unfriend someone who does not show respect for you. I hope that you can take something from this article and apply it in some way. Thank you for reading.