There has been a lot in the news lately about cyber bullying. The anonymity of the Internet has bred an entire new species of bully with those who would be too fearful to say things in person gaining the fortitude to spew hate from behind the keyboard.
And the bullying isn't the exclusive front of the teen and pre-teen crowd. Over and over, I've seen grown women and men say hateful, hurtful things online. Is it a lack of tech-savvyness that they are not aware how the hate spreads? Do they believe that just because that one particular person can't see what they write that they won't hear about it from mutual parties? Does the Golden Rule not apply in cyberspace?
Probably one of the most important lessons I've learned in life is to always be kind. Once that person is home alone, sitting in their living room, and that front door closes...no one really knows what they are going through, dealing with, or struggling out of. While their status on Facebook may be upbeat and happy, their life may be falling apart.
It doesn't take any extra effort to be gentle and kind. Actually, it takes a lot more time, effort, and energy to maintain cruelty and hate. Is it really worth it?
Excellent post Jerri!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEveryone who adds a keystroke to a social media site should read this.
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