Social media is a total dumpster fire.
Mine your own business because my business isn’t for you.
It’s a simple truth that’s hard to take at times. It’s the outgrowth of the social media age.
We have been conditioned to elevate our opinions. At the same time, we are trashing someone else’s opinion.
I’ve seen in recent years a push for everyone to call out people they disagree with. Politics and religion are the most prominent areas I notice.
But it tends to fall into even random opinions. I’m a little ashamed to admit I like pineapple on my pizza (guilty pleasure, don’t knock it till you try it).
I have a friend on Facebook (I guess not a friend), and he challenges my post. I’m like, bro, I never talk to you, but now you want to trash my opinion?
I get it though, that seems to be the thing to do on social media. But I’m of the old mindset of minding my business.
If you want to share a point of view, I’m all for it. I want to hear it. But there is a difference between sharing a viewpoint and challenging/demeaning someone.
The last political cycle made things very clear. The software that was supposed to connect us closer than ever might have pushed us to the brink.
It seems there is no such thing as bipartisanship. Seems no such thing as productive communication. Most definitely, no attempts at empathy.
I’m not very political. I vote and do my part, but I’m not one to become a weekend pundit or champion for a party.
I have concerns about this country’s level of polarization.
We all want to share ideas. It’s the bedrock of civilization. Heck, without it, we’d still be in the dark ages.
But, I think sharing opinions can be done in a way that provides an exchange. It does not have to be a conflict.
We can exchange ideas for better understanding rather than proving who’s right.
There are many ideas I disagree with, and I’ve learned it’s best to keep scrolling. Social media has become a place for those who can shout their opinions the loudest.
Besides, proving someone wrong seldom leads to a change. Maybe an exchange of ideas could.
Until then, I’ll mind my own business.
