If you are reading this, then your typical computer day probably starts a lot like mine.We log into social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram regularly, and we comment on what flows past in those streams. It's those comments that I feel a need to address as some of them respect the opinion of others, but most that I see are angry, judgmental and downright mean. In the real world, it's unlikely that anyone would ever speak as condescendingly, bullying for opinion, and with foul words to strangers they meet on the street. Yet, many think nothing of treating online people in that way. That's a real problem in today's world because it means that we are so self-centered, so self contained and self- righteous that we cannot see beyond ourselves. That problem is escalating more and more into reality as people continue to latch onto television shows that embrace the concept of petty rage to a physical extent. It's Jerry Springer all the time, rather than as an exception to the rule.
Here are some ways to tone it down and/or to avoid negative comments and negative people all together. All it takes is a little reminder of respect:
- Your name is the same as your face. Respect it. It doesn't matter whether it's a screen name or your real one, it's still your reputation you are ruining when you comment without respect.
- Stop confusing the way reality television people treat each other with the actual world we live in. Those people are being paid to disrespect themselves for money and ratings.
- Refrain from thinking you can change a person's views, politics or religious beliefs and instead, respect them, as they should respect you. If you want someone to be influenced by your beliefs, bullying them to share and typing rage at them for their opinion, won't garnish respect for you or your cause. Ultimately the very thing you want help with, will be sabotaged because of your lack of respect in commenting. All you do is give yourself a bad reputation.
It's time we became more personal with each other as real people who communicate daily in a world that is designed from an abundance of belief systems. The only way to really enjoy the experience of social media is through the awareness of giving out what you want to receive. Anything short of that is a waste of time.