Since the dawn of social networks, users have been able to portray themselves as who they really are or they could hide behind a version of themselves they designed.
In the late 90s, SixDegrees (widely considered the first social media platform) allowed users to create their profile and connect with friends and school affiliations. I never used it, but it's likely some that did were trying to be someone they weren't. Even if they were connected to people who already knew them.
Next up came MySpace and Friendster allowing you to widen your circle of connections. Now, you could stay in touch with family, friends and acquaintances even easier. I had a MySpace account, but don't recall using it much. (Did you know MySpace still exists?!)
Then, of course, the big daddy - Facebook - came along and eclipsed all other social media platforms that were around when it launched in 2004. Think about that for a moment. Facebook has been around for 22 years (launch date was February 4, 2004 - wow!) and in those 22 years, its platform has completely changed how people interact with each other, how businesses advertise, how news outlets reach you. It has seemingly become that one-stop-shop to post anything and everything. It has absolutely become the platform where people feel free to let their hatred, viciousness and downright abhorrent attitudes shine bright!
Now, before you get your panties in a bunch, I do believe in the First Amendment. I believe everyone has a right to their own opinions whether I agree or not. That is just one small part of the freedoms we enjoy as legal citizens of the United States.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
However, I also believe in a peaceful discourse. An exchange of ideas from opposing sides that are focused on facts and truth. I absolutely do not believe it serves ANYONE'S best interest to be belligerent, rude, offensive, hateful, degrading or evil in that discourse.
You want me to change my mind about (insert topic here)? Then stop hiding behind a false persona and present truths, don't just spout falsehoods being spread throughout social media. Be prepared with factual evidence to counter my own research on a subject. In fact, don't just spew your opinions when they aren't based on anything other than following the current popular line. If you haven't come to your opinions based on your own research of reliable resources, then they aren't your opinions - you're just being a sheep.
Honestly, people still hide behind their internet presence, but they do it differently now.
Do you realize that social media has become the place to say whatever you want, no matter how scathing or disgusting - all in the name of "free speech?" Do you realize that, because of the false security on social media, people no longer keep their comments in check? Do you realize this lack of decorum has lead to a greater level of anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal tendencies than ever before?
Do you realize that "unfriending" someone on social media just because they disagree with you is the epitome of immature and petty behavior?
Do you realize that commenting someone should die just because they politely stated a different viewpoint in hopes of a more informative discussion is malevolent. (Yes, this happened to me.)
Do you have any idea how your words may come across when commenting on a social media platform? "Well, I added emoji's so they think I was joking." Emoji's are just another way to hide behind your true feelings about something.
People regularly have to step away from social media just to regain their mental footing and avoid all the negativity that is constantly bombarding them from seemingly every direction. It's really not that surprising that more people struggle with a variety of mental issues these days.
What if we start trying to repair the damage?
If you read a post on social media that you find ridiculous or stupid, etc., instead of being a cyber bully or trying to shame the person who posted, take a beat - think about what they might be going through. Try putting yourself in their shoes. Better yet? LET IT GO! Don't comment! Scroll on past! It's really easy - I do it all the time. Let's stop pretending to be someone we aren't by hiding behind our online accounts.
Let's go back to being what humanity was meant to be - supportive, helpful, nurturing, protective, loving. Let's move far away from being the hurtful and degrading species we've become. As my mom would say, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."