Social Media plays a big part in today’s society connecting people around the world, making the world seem smaller, on the other hand it certain things can get a bit out of control which leads me to the topic of bullying on Social Media
Bullying on social media seems to be quite prevalent these days. Why is it that some people think that they can say whatever they want to other people on Social Media, without thinking about the impact of what they say.
I know I have written a blog about the topic of bullying on Social Media but I believe that the more we speak out about it, the possibility that maybe it might stick that bullying – even on Social Media is wrong,. Just because a person may not physically be in front of us doesn’t give anyone the right to say to another person whatever they want without consideration of that person.
I’m on Snapchat a bit and it seems that lately I’ve been hearing a bit from certain “high profile” social media personalities about what they are being subjected to and I’m actually a bit relieved that my “following” has nowhere near the numbers of those that “follow” them. For if I was subjected to some of the comments that are thrown their way, I’m not sure if I could cope so huge props to them they are keeping up with their social media presence, when it could be easier to just throw in the towel.
Just because you may follow a person on social media and in cases like Snapchat know a bit about their life doesn’t mean you know them. Relationships can be built via social media but if there hasn’t been true give and take, positive connections, then all we are – are strangers. Would you want a stranger to just randomly come up to you on the street and say something to you because they disagree with something you are doing; that’s what is going on it seems when bullying is taking place on Social Media. Its often excused by the idea “I was just giving my opinion” Don’t get me wrong sometimes an opinion can be helpful. However, when it puts someone down then its not so helpful, and didn’t need to be shared.
A person may not think they are bullying but maybe before commenting on a post/snap we think these things:
- How could it affect the other person
- Would I want it said to me, if I was in that person’s shoes
- What is the reason behind the comment, and
- Would I say it to the person’s face
Within social media, tone of voice is not always portrayed, and often we need to think before we press “send”. There could be times when the comment is innocent yet someone could interpret it wrong, in that case we should be able to explain/apologise if need be. If someone posts something that’s not specifically aimed at anyone, yet someone takes offense then it might not be the original posters intent and if so, that poster shouldn’t need to apologise, an explanation might do if that’s what the original wants to do.
This is not a cookie cutter world and people are different so will act/say/do things differently to others and just because a person may reach out and ask for an opinion we can at least be nice about it and not have the other person feel attacked. If a comment you want to post is not positive or at least neutral then scroll on down without comment. Just because you may disagree with a post doesn’t mean you need to comment.
If you do make nasty comments and the other person responds to it in a way which makes you feel attacked, either ignore it and move on or privately message the person and ask them why they responded that way
Life is hard enough without us tearing down one another. There’s enough negativity and bullying in this world without people adding to it via social media.