Lately, the social media forum has evolved into a different kind of website. Every time I log onto Facebook, it seems a new topic has become fodder for commentary by each corner of the Internet. Where statuses used to concern passing thoughts or exciting accomplishments, they now also concern political statements and viewpoints on polarizing issues.
Is it a need to argue that drives these posts or the need to address serious problems?
Sometimes, it seems like it’s both. As we’ve advanced through our relationship with Facebook, we’ve gained more and more connections. Some people have upward of 2,000 friends, a surprising amount of individuals that can see their daily activity. When we post something controversial, it’s bound to be seen by a variety of viewers.
In the past month or so, America has seen a storm of events that have divided both the media and citizens alike. These events include the unveiling of Caitlyn Jenner, the discovery of Josh Duggar's improprieties and the devastating killings in South Carolina.
With each of these events, Facebook erupted in a flurry of activity. Suddenly, it was obligatory to have an opinion and share it. While this could theoretically encourage healthy conversation, the comments section can become filled with hate. I’ve seen people called “dumb” or “racist” for their opinions, among other insults. I’ve seen the comments section fill up with paragraph after paragraph of arguments, countless attempts to prove a point that will most likely be fruitless in changing the other person’s mind.
Perhaps I’m being hypocritical, because in commenting on a need to calm the political statements, I am myself making a political statement. (So meta, I know). But who are we helping?
I shared a photo this week that included a quote made by President Obama regarding the South Carolina massacre. Almost immediately, an old friend commented “I’m sorry, but that just isn’t true.” I deleted my post after that, because I didn’t want to waste time trying to change his mind or water down simple ideas with argument after argument.
I think we need to be careful. In a society where we are so labeled already in daily life by red or blue, pro-choice or pro-life, pro-gun or anti-gun and so on, we need to be wary of furthering the disagreement. Our opinions have leaked into our online presence, and now we find ourselves focusing on our differences rather than what brings us together.
In America, we constantly criticize the government for their lack of action, their inability to get along in congress, but as a citizenry, how are we any better? If we refuse to respect one another, we will never achieve the changes we seek.
