Social Media Should be a Place to Discuss Ideas, Not Just Slander a Neighbor

 

This past week I expressed an opinion on social media opposing the idea of the Republic Mayor and Council members being paid to attend meetings and you would have thought I called for the burning of the community. One serial poster found it best to slander me personally, starting with untruths about my own salary and work, just because I don’t think paying the Mayor $800 per meeting (including special meetings that he can call) is very good public policy.

It reminds me again of the short-comings of social media.

What if social media could be a place where we discuss ideas instead of going straight into contempt and slander when someone has a different opinion? This is a question worth thinking about, especially because social media has become such an important part of our lives. Instead of being a space for open conversation and learning, many people use social media to attack others who disagree with them. 

But what if that wasn’t the case? What if we could use social media in a more respectful and thoughtful way?

First, it’s important to understand why people often react with contempt and slander on social media. 

Many times, when someone expresses an opinion that is different from ours, it can make us feel threatened or frustrated. Instead of taking the time to listen and understand their point of view, we might attack them or label their opinion as wrong. Social media can make these reactions worse because it’s easy to type something hurtful quickly and without thinking. The distance and anonymity of the internet make it less likely for people to consider the impact of their words.

Second, the contempt and anger posted on social media is sometimes a result of the mental issues of the poster. Maybe they were bullied or ignored growing up and shouting people and ideas down online is their way of gaining power. I've seen it!

But what if we changed this approach? What if we could learn to have respectful conversations even when we don’t agree? One way to do this would be to focus on understanding the other person’s perspective before responding. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making harsh judgments, we could ask questions that help us understand where they are coming from. 

For example, we might say, “Can you explain why you think that?” or “I see your point, but have you considered this?” By asking questions like these, we could create a space where ideas are discussed in a thoughtful way, not just rejected or attacked.

Another way to promote better conversations on social media would be to focus on common ground. Even if we disagree on certain issues, there are often shared values or goals that we can agree on. 

For instance, if two people are arguing about politics, they might disagree on how to solve a problem, but they might both want what’s best for their community. By recognizing these shared values, we can approach conversations with more empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, social media could be a much better place if we used it to discuss ideas in a respectful way. Instead of jumping to contempt and slander, we could try to listen, understand, and find common ground with others. This would not only make social media a more positive space but also help us grow as individuals and as a society.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Are you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special privilides and get invited to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.