The internet gives people a chance to share their lives with people. We share good things and bad. We share pictures of our cats, dogs, or kids, and we share opinions. Sometimes we overshare.
Along with the sharing though, we have come to the point of feeling that we are able to judge one another. Harshly. For things that are not any of our business. For example, I could say that I am listening to Christmas music, or watching a Christmas movie on Halloween, and people would jump all over that. Some people would, of course, be joking, but there would be a ridiculous number who would actually think that their opinion should matter and I should listen to what they have to say. However, anyone who actually knows me would also be aware that I ignore people who try to tell me how to live my life, and I will swamp them with Christmas music they tell me what to do. But that is off-topic.
My point is more along the lines of the fact that we have reached a point where we think that we can butt into the life choices of others, big or small, and they have to listen to us.
Now, I realize that if you post something online, you're giving others the right to give their opinion on that subject. That's a fine line though. I don't think there's a problem with people giving their opinion. Instead, the problem comes when people feel the need to give their opinion in the harshest way possible.
It's like chatting with a group of friends. One person mentions something they do which is a bit different from the typical way people act. Or maybe the conversation goes a little deeper, and someone brings up a topic that they are struggling with; be it theological, or moral, or in any other way. Instead of receiving support and friendship, the remark, no matter how important or trivial, is met with scathing looks and comments. People begin to argue amongst themselves, yelling and calling their friends horrible names simply due to the fact that they don't agree on a subject. Usually a subject that doesn't actually have a definite right and wrong answer.
Pretty soon, those friends would just stop talking. They would judge each other based on the topics on which they disagree, rather than remembering why they became friends in the first place.
It is far easier on facebook to be harsh with your friends, and to take liberties with the people you don't even know that well. You can forget that there is a real person behind the computer screen, and that they actually have feelings. And that you don't have the right to tell them what to do.
But what if you see something that someone has posted that you really think is serious, and something you have to address? One such thing that comes to mind is the recent rash of racism, Islamaphobia, and general violence perpetuated across social media. It's wrong to stay silent when you feel convicted to speak. But speak with kindness, and remember that the person with whom you are arguing is entitled to their own opinion as well. You can make your point, but freedom of speech is not negated merely because you don't agree with them.
Facebook is supposed to be a place to connect with friends, not a place to make enemies. I've been staying off of facebook a lot more than I usually do, because I'm tired of seeing all the animosity. I wish that people could discuss ideas and opinions, whether face to face or online, without such anger. Perhaps one day.
Along with the sharing though, we have come to the point of feeling that we are able to judge one another. Harshly. For things that are not any of our business. For example, I could say that I am listening to Christmas music, or watching a Christmas movie on Halloween, and people would jump all over that. Some people would, of course, be joking, but there would be a ridiculous number who would actually think that their opinion should matter and I should listen to what they have to say. However, anyone who actually knows me would also be aware that I ignore people who try to tell me how to live my life, and I will swamp them with Christmas music they tell me what to do. But that is off-topic.
My point is more along the lines of the fact that we have reached a point where we think that we can butt into the life choices of others, big or small, and they have to listen to us.
It's like chatting with a group of friends. One person mentions something they do which is a bit different from the typical way people act. Or maybe the conversation goes a little deeper, and someone brings up a topic that they are struggling with; be it theological, or moral, or in any other way. Instead of receiving support and friendship, the remark, no matter how important or trivial, is met with scathing looks and comments. People begin to argue amongst themselves, yelling and calling their friends horrible names simply due to the fact that they don't agree on a subject. Usually a subject that doesn't actually have a definite right and wrong answer.
Pretty soon, those friends would just stop talking. They would judge each other based on the topics on which they disagree, rather than remembering why they became friends in the first place.
It is far easier on facebook to be harsh with your friends, and to take liberties with the people you don't even know that well. You can forget that there is a real person behind the computer screen, and that they actually have feelings. And that you don't have the right to tell them what to do.
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| Having a filter on your fingers as you type is a smart choice...This is a good model, but a little too distracting. |
Facebook is supposed to be a place to connect with friends, not a place to make enemies. I've been staying off of facebook a lot more than I usually do, because I'm tired of seeing all the animosity. I wish that people could discuss ideas and opinions, whether face to face or online, without such anger. Perhaps one day.
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