I have to admit, my experience on social media is almost entirely positive. I am aware of what else is out there besides positivity, but I spend my energy on letting that pass through and around me rather than battling it. Here’s a hint: If you’re angry, you’re battling it.
I have developed a rule about my participation online over the years. Every time I break it, it bites me in the butt. I guess that’s what ethical standards are all about, however. We draw lines in the sand that we sometimes fail to remain behind, but from which we always learn. Even if rubbing our sore backsides while we’re doing it.
The rule is Be Kind. Perhaps that degree of simplicity sounds cliché or contrite. Naïve, even ignorant. Many have accused me of being decidedly unrealistic about life. They are welcome to their opinion. But like I said before, I have a positive experience on the Internet. Why might that be?
It’s pretty simple. And yet so difficult to follow. Simply say only kind things. And even when you disagree with someone do it with kindness. If they can’t return your civility, just don’t comment any further. Exit the conversation. Pride and ego are the only thing preventing you from it.
But also be an advocate for kindness. When two people online are disagreeing but at least one of them is using kind words, step in and complement them for their kindness. You don’t have to comment on the subject they’re debating itself. Comment on their good online etiquette. Do it without criticizing others who are hostile. Solely put your energy and words and fingertips toward what you want more of. Thank you for civility. Everyone else will see, and they'll learn at the same time. Part of being kind is teaching kindness. We all have the capacity to be kind, but we don’t all have the tools.
Likewise, don’t name call. Don’t ridicule. Don’t harass. Don’t troll. If you see something you don’t like it’s better to turn the other cheek rather than simply give it more energy. Because that’s all it really does. Your anger only empowers the negativity which bothers you. Empower something else.
There’s a line from scripture which cautions us that those who live by the sword also die by the sword. It makes good logical sense. And we know it is a truism because it works in nearly every facet of life. It’s a metaphor. And it isn’t simply about those who murder get murdered.
We may also notice that the sword is both a symbol of death and of strength. Except they who live by their strengths do not literally die by them. But they are changed forever nonetheless. One of my favorite symbols in world spirituality is that of the death card in the tarot. It does not mean physical death. Just the death of the old you.
Do something different online today. Spend your energy on the things you want more of, not less. Seek out positivity and turn your back on negativity. Don’t engage it. Let the island of discontent get smaller, at least by one.
If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all.
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