I love social media for the ways I am able to keep in touch with so many people at once. I appreciate the ability to access the news and weather at the tips of my fingers. I am thankful for technology and the ways it has made communication, journalism, and the exchange of ideas so efficient. But, as the old saying suggests, there can be too much of a good thing
The past year has been filled with a myriad of events and moments which have had significant impact on our planet, in our country, our cities, our circles, our individual lives. We often turn to the media to vent our frustrations at the current happenings, praise the success of heroic deeds, or mourn the tragedies that strike ever too often. So many words, comments, phrases, opinions.
Unfortunately, when it comes to social media and the communication it allows us, I believe we have forgotten that another person sits on the other side of the screen. Far too frequently I see passionate advocacy for a certain political candidate turn into a verbal brawl of endless comments, accusations, and overgeneralizations.
In my writing at the Odyssey, I would see articles from time to time written on either side of the pendulum, liberal or conservative, and see some of the most horrific responses to people in disagreement. In a controversial article on swim suits advocating for a bit more modesty, I sat in shock at the comments people spewed to the writer. "Go f--k yourself" and "I will dance on your grave in a thong bikini" were only a few of dozens I read. Heartbreaking. I began to wonder if people would say these things to the author's face if social media didn't exist. We are turning into monsters.
I have seen this gruesome side of social media spread into even news articles and segments. It saddens me to see people take reports or situations so out of context just to make sure their beliefs are communicated. These demonstrations of caustic comments and responses got me thinking, how am I responding?
As a writer, I am learning the immense amount of vulnerability I commit to as I release articles each week. No joke, sometimes I have to hold my breath and wait on pins and needles to see how my readers will respond. Surely I am not the only writer who feels this way.
This call is for myself and for my fellow social media users. Remember there is another person on the other side of the screen. They are people too. Whether that be a celebrity, the president, a journalist, a news reporter, your family member, a colleague, or a teacher.
Before you hit the send button in the comments section next time ask yourself, could I say this to the other person's face? Is this response worth the slandering of someone else and their views? It is really worth it?
