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Navigating the Discontent of Social Media
By Jessica M. Harper
Updated: Aug. 11, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 11, 2023
I genuinely adore people.
Seriously. I’m that person in public who can’t resist striking up conversations in waiting areas, grocery lines, and any spot where strangers converge, making connections. If you happen to have a name tag, you’re in luck—I’ll use your name and, I assure you, after meeting me, you’ll likely have a smile on your face for the rest of the day. My career in public service was a perfect fit, as it required me to interact with individuals constantly, helping them navigate their challenges.
Oh, how I loved humanity!
I cherished everyone—young, old, impatient, shy, liberal, conservative—all were welcome. I believed in meeting people halfway with respect and acknowledging our shared experience in this grand journey of life. It boiled down to a simple philosophy: Be kind, avoid being rude, adhere to the golden rule, and let’s make the most of our time on this planet together.
Then came the internet.
Along with this incredible tool that allows us to do everything from ordering groceries to connecting with friends, a new vocabulary emerged: rant, viral, troll, haters, and vague-booking, just to name a few.
When I was younger, trolls were mythical beings hiding under bridges, stalkers were individuals who posed real-life threats, and the term “insta” had no connection to fame—only to instant coffee. Before the digital age, I never thought to use the term “hate” when discussing those I encountered daily.
Now, just five minutes on social media, and I’m often muttering, “I can’t stand people.” Their lack of decency, self-awareness, and general inability to communicate respectfully is baffling. What has happened to civility?
What has transformed me, a once-optimistic person, into someone who often feels resentment towards others? As a mother navigating the complexities of modern motherhood, I’m already juggling a mountain of responsibilities, and I never expected to feel a genuine dislike for humanity. It’s exhausting, and frankly, I’m tired of the mental weight that accompanies that negativity. I have enough stress in my life without adding hatred into the mix.
So, what’s the solution? Should we all abandon social media to avoid encounters with unpleasant individuals? Or can we consciously decide to embrace love for our fellow humans, flaws and all?
In light of everything happening in the world, I choose love.
Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not. Will it be worthwhile? Definitely!
I will start by resisting the urge to engage in online arguments that fuel hatred. I’ll remind myself that everyone carries unseen burdens, and by harboring resentment, I only add to our collective struggles. Choosing grace and understanding can lighten our loads.
Locally, I will seek to interact with real people—like that mother at the park who looks like she could use a friendly smile or the exhausted waitress who deserves a compliment and a generous tip. I’ll make a conscious effort to clear out negative “people are awful” thoughts from my mind and replace them with positive affirmations like “everyone deserves love.”
Imagine how much better our world—both online and offline—would be if we all adopted this mindset. My life would certainly improve, and I might even notice fewer gray hairs!
Let’s choose kindness, forgive those who contribute to our negativity, and spread more joy across the internet. We’ll all benefit from it.
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Summary
This article explores how social media can foster negative feelings towards others, even for those who typically love humanity. It emphasizes the importance of choosing kindness and understanding in interactions, both online and offline, while promoting resources for navigating motherhood and fertility.
Keyphrase: social media negativity
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