Mean is mean. However, what you should know is that you get a choice about how much you engage in the online platforms. We have all felt what it is like to feel strong emotions that we want to express on a screen. However, sometimes what we post will in fact become public knowledge…so just because I didn’t verbalize my feelings (as people did 100 years ago), doesn’t mean that no one can hear them now! Yikes.
“There is a difference between giving up and knowing when you have had enough. You deserve respect and kindness." Unknown
What You Can Do Now
- Take a break: challenge yourself to take a short break from devices or unhealthy relationships.
- Post something positive. Affirm other positive posts.
- Notice your feelings when you see a post that upsets you. What is the most positive way you could respond to this circumstance? Is that comment worth the energy and time it will take you to react?
- Set a timer for social media
- Don’t respond (or choose to respond in person if you know the person)
- Do a random act of kindness
To learn more about why people are so mean online, check out:
