Ashourina Slewo is an Account Specialist and Writer with Denha Media Group
We live in a time where the world is at our fingertips. Every answer is a simple Google search away. So many things today are 100 times more accessible than they were 15 to 20 years ago. We have the ability to talk to our loved ones via video chat and simultaneously shop for a new dress. What a world!
However, as convenient as the internet and social media are, like most things, it gives way to the ugly side of peoples’ personalities.
We are living in the era of the keyboard warriors.
More often than not, when I am scrolling through Facebook, I find multiple ongoing debates or arguments among friends and family. These arguments are almost always central to the topic of politics.
When did we move away from delightful pictures of families and dogs to arguments about everything from how to cook vegetables to politics?
Sitting behind the safe glow of their phones and computers, people have been emboldened by this ability to post and comment about every little thing from the safety of their couch.
There is nothing wrong with a healthy debate, but when tempers flare and suddenly you’re engaging in a virtual screaming match with your aunt Barbara, things take a turn for the worse. We have stepped away from a civilized discussion and moved into berating and insulting people we call our friends and family.
This culture we have created across social media is a toxic one. If we, as adults, can’t contain our debates to just the facts and have to resort to insults, we need to take a step back and reevaluate our behavior.
Facebook was designed around the idea of keeping people connected, not to debate a topic until you hate your friends and family. It’s not the right outlet. Sure, it’s convenient, but really what are the benefits?
The chances of changing someone’s mind during an argument on social media are slim to none. The chances of you making yourself look like a hotheaded fool, however, are at an all-time high.
Your opinion means nothing on Facebook and those who disagree with you, only comment because they, too, don’t know how to productively express and act on their views. Government officials are not sifting through social media to take an average Joe’s opinion into consideration. That’s just not how it works.
Social media arguments are time consuming and thankless. No one will admit defeat and it will only leave a bad taste in you mouth.
Sure, social media has been pivotal in the rise of grassroots movements and campaigns, just look at Bernie Sanders. Social media served him well because he was actually working towards bringing his views of what the government should be to fruition.
He didn’t waste all his time debating on social media. Social media was just one of many tactics he employed to fuel his campaign.
Unless you’re going to use it start something productive, DO NOT bring politics to social media. Especially if your only goal is to stir up an argument.
