The year of 2017 has started in a crazy fashion. From the inauguration of President Trump to the riots and protests, people have been more vocal about his or her opinion. Having an opinion is fine, great even, but as I was sitting in my politics class, I had an epiphany.

My comparative politics class was discussing cause and effect and one young man said "stricter gun control laws lead to lower crime rates." Now, I don't agree with this statement, but that's fine. As I was sitting there, I realized that the internet and social media have made it so easy to attack others. If his comment was online, I would have been more likely to vocally disagree; but in person, I cower away from confrontation. As a society, we need to THINK before we tweet, post, and comment.

THINK is an acronym my mom sent me, and it really struck me. Let me explain.

"T" stands for truth. Before you spew facts and statements, check the accuracy of what your saying.

"H" stands for helpful. If a statement your about to make doesn't help either side of the argument, or is just an insult, do not use it.

"I" stands for inspiring. Not everything you say needs to inspire action, but realize that we are role models for our siblings and children. Before you post, make sure you would be accepting of younger generations saying the same thing.

"N" stands for necessary. Many comments are just insults without anything constructive. Before you submit that comment, make sure what your saying is necessary for others to read.

"K" stands for kind. So many people disregard others' feelings. Make sure what you post is kind and respectful to every person in the argument.

The internet has allowed so many people to hide behind his or her computer screen while spewing hateful comments. This is what is wrong with the world today. As a society, we need to realize that actions and words, even when typed, have consequences.

After I left my politics class, I messaged my mom about this frightening realization. She replied with a single picture, and this picture needs to be seen and implemented in all lives.

In today's brutal and flippant world, be the change. Please, THINK before you post, tweet, and comment.