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I admit that the World Wide Web has certainly changed our planet for the better.
It’s brought us a fountain of knowledge at our fingertips and of course instant gratification which is as important to us human beings as oxygen. Well, almost.
Google is an invention many would consider an even greater one than the wheel and if we had to choose, poor Henry Ford would probably have come second.
So, all and all I am a huge fan!
However (you knew this was coming, right?)
There is one truly unfortunate trend that seems to go hand in hand with our internet sensation nowadays and I call this:
Online Hating- What is it?
It includes criticizing, judging, humiliating, disciplining, belittling, bullying, exposing, punishing, berating, harassing and attacking someone while safely hidden behind a computer screen and a fake-created internet account persona.
All this without considering how the person on the receiving end must be feeling or taking the abuse.
I’ve recently assisted a woman with a very personal concern. She had taken the time and courage to share this with me on an online platform. I understand that sometimes this is an urging plea or even last resort for someone and I therefore as a rule treat it with the utmost respect and understanding.
It was surprising and sad to see that others who commented on her situation didn’t share my attitude.
Why it's a problem
I acknowledge the value of sharing opinions and knowledge on a public, social media platform but more than that I appreciate the importance and essence of human kindness, consideration and compassion towards others.
To lambaste someone in a one sided session of ranting and raving is not only unconstructive, it is mean and can be incredibly hurtful. If you have something to say or a difference of opinion you feel the other party can benefit from, try to deliver this message in a manner that is conducive to a sensible discussion and without judging the person’s character, behaviour or situation.
Most importantly, consider that if you had a face to face conversation, would you be as aggressive or opinionated? Or are you brave because there is no real confrontation?
For any real and honest two-way discussion you will have to listen, acknowledge what the other side is saying and maybe even consider their opinion or interpretation.
In my ideal world, everyone would Live and Let Live and accept that maybe it’s a great thing that we don’t all think or act the same way. We will understand that even though we don’t always agree with what a friend or even stranger does, we are in no position to judge or attack.
At least not until we know or understand the full story and when we do, our concerns can be highlighted in way that still acknowledges the existence, worth and humanity of the other person.
Is it really up to us to dictate what is in our opinion deemed correct, moral or acceptable? And by these same rules, is it gentle, thoughtful or sympathetic to castigate someone on a public forum for not adhering to these made up guidelines?
I am a big proponent of freedom of speech and the creation of open forums, but I am not in favour of intentionally degrading, mocking or chastising anyone for the world to see and read (especially not when they have left themselves open and vulnerable).
Kindness and compassion should override any sense of liberty we may feel when computer-sheltered from the possible effects our words may have on another soul.
Keep sharing and voicing but in the same way you would if you were standing in front of others with your face and name for everyone to see.
Or as our man Tupac said –“ I’ve got nothing but love for you. Do your thing, boy”
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
It’s brought us a fountain of knowledge at our fingertips and of course instant gratification which is as important to us human beings as oxygen. Well, almost.
Google is an invention many would consider an even greater one than the wheel and if we had to choose, poor Henry Ford would probably have come second.
So, all and all I am a huge fan!
However (you knew this was coming, right?)
There is one truly unfortunate trend that seems to go hand in hand with our internet sensation nowadays and I call this:
Online Hating- What is it?
It includes criticizing, judging, humiliating, disciplining, belittling, bullying, exposing, punishing, berating, harassing and attacking someone while safely hidden behind a computer screen and a fake-created internet account persona.
All this without considering how the person on the receiving end must be feeling or taking the abuse.
I’ve recently assisted a woman with a very personal concern. She had taken the time and courage to share this with me on an online platform. I understand that sometimes this is an urging plea or even last resort for someone and I therefore as a rule treat it with the utmost respect and understanding.
It was surprising and sad to see that others who commented on her situation didn’t share my attitude.
Why it's a problem
I acknowledge the value of sharing opinions and knowledge on a public, social media platform but more than that I appreciate the importance and essence of human kindness, consideration and compassion towards others.
To lambaste someone in a one sided session of ranting and raving is not only unconstructive, it is mean and can be incredibly hurtful. If you have something to say or a difference of opinion you feel the other party can benefit from, try to deliver this message in a manner that is conducive to a sensible discussion and without judging the person’s character, behaviour or situation.
Most importantly, consider that if you had a face to face conversation, would you be as aggressive or opinionated? Or are you brave because there is no real confrontation?
For any real and honest two-way discussion you will have to listen, acknowledge what the other side is saying and maybe even consider their opinion or interpretation.
In my ideal world, everyone would Live and Let Live and accept that maybe it’s a great thing that we don’t all think or act the same way. We will understand that even though we don’t always agree with what a friend or even stranger does, we are in no position to judge or attack.
At least not until we know or understand the full story and when we do, our concerns can be highlighted in way that still acknowledges the existence, worth and humanity of the other person.
Is it really up to us to dictate what is in our opinion deemed correct, moral or acceptable? And by these same rules, is it gentle, thoughtful or sympathetic to castigate someone on a public forum for not adhering to these made up guidelines?
I am a big proponent of freedom of speech and the creation of open forums, but I am not in favour of intentionally degrading, mocking or chastising anyone for the world to see and read (especially not when they have left themselves open and vulnerable).
Kindness and compassion should override any sense of liberty we may feel when computer-sheltered from the possible effects our words may have on another soul.
Keep sharing and voicing but in the same way you would if you were standing in front of others with your face and name for everyone to see.
Or as our man Tupac said –“ I’ve got nothing but love for you. Do your thing, boy”
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
