It's odd to think about the phases I have gone through with social media. It's sometimes heartwarming and sometimes a bit frightening. I suppose there will always be a maturing process we go through when we learn a new medium of communication.
I confess there is an element of addiction to wanting to know what's going on in the world, just as there is a desire to know what is going on in the lives of my family and my online friendships, too.
In the process of navigating social media, and in taking in as much of the information as I can, I have realized that I have also found my voice. In many ways, that is a good thing. Yet, I've also learned there are drawbacks to being vocal.
I've recently reviewed some of the writings I've posted in the last couple of years, and at times, I've noticed there has been a difference in how I communicate my thoughts. Although I may have strong feelings about a topic or think I am writing with conviction, I may simply be coming across as arrogant.
I've noticed this in my writing. At times, I've also noticed it in other's writings. And I've noticed it in some of the comments I and others have left in response to someone else's posts. I think in some ways we are all growing up in the world of social media.
I suppose the internet has enabled us to become a cynical people. In our online activity, probably more than in our real life interactions, we are all capable of biting one another verbally.
Due to being online, there is a sense of separation between the typer and reader, and because of this divide, it can become easy to say things we might not say face to face.
It is also easy to not take responsibility for any hurt brought about by the words we type because we are not afforded the opportunity to see a face respond in hurt or anger when reading our words.
Whether typed or spoken, our words have the power to wound or bring life.
I've had to ask myself...
When did being right become more important than being kind?
When did it become okay to subtly or maybe not so subtly, shame those with a different opinion than my own?
Did the safety of a keyboard embolden me or has this ugliness been in my heart all along?
Those are questions I must answer for myself.
I understand for some of us soft spoken ones, the safety of speaking our minds in the form of typing has brought with it a sense of freedom.
And perhaps, for those who found their voice years ago, a keyboard merely represents another way to express themselves.
No matter which camp I find myself in, I've found, I need a reminder.
Kindness is more important than being right.
Humility is more important than having a sense of power.
The people behind each monitor or phone have faces. The hands that type the messages, and the eyes that read the words are both connected to a heart and soul.
The safety of speaking from behind the screen of a computer must never overshadow the humanity within ourselves or within our readers.
So, I want to say to each and every one of you... if in sharing my opinion I have belittled you, or by my words I have insinuated that those who hold a different opinion than I do are unimportant, valueless, or stupid... I am truly sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness.
From now on, I will endeavor to share my opinions, and my feelings regarding my opinions, as well as my thoughts about other's opinions with more tact and sensitivity.
You all matter to me more than my desire to be right about my viewpoints.
In the end, people and relationships are more important than any topic could ever be. I want my writing to be an act of kindness, not a display of arrogance.
Peace to you all.
Donna
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