Badly Done: How to Prioritize Integrity and Mental Health in an Age of Online Incivility
When did we become a society where strangers on and off the internet feel comfortable saying horrible things to each other because they don’t agree on matters of opinion?
As regular visitors to this site know, I am a voracious reader. I just finished book number 15 for the year.
I read a number of genres, but in particular, I love those set in Regency England, initially introduced to me by my love of all things Jane Austen. I love learning all about the history, customs, fashion, and societal norms.
One thing of particular note are the incredibly prescribed manners from the time period. Ones sadly lacking in our time, and ones that form the basis of today’s article.
When did we become a society where strangers on and off the internet feel comfortable saying horrible things to each other because they don’t agree on matters of opinion?
You may note part of the article title comes from Dear Jane’s book “Emma,” where the titular character says something savagely unkind to one of the sweetest characters in the story, and is quickly reprimanded by one of her dearest friends.
I have often advised social media breaks for those dealing with mental health issues because being online and constantly doomscrolling can get one wound up. It can make people feel as though they must respond, and, for some, it can take hours or days to forget the ugly comments people lob back and forth.
If you are not able to take a break, perhaps because of the nature of your job, be sure to use the tools at your disposal. Mute, hide, block, or, for those who get really out of hand and start making harassing replies, report.
The internet can be a great place to learn things and meet people who share common interests, but, as in the podcast episode Cisterns and Cesspools, it also has a dark underbelly.
For both on- and offline encounters, remember words can hurt and wound.
James 3:8 says, “[B]ut no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
While James 1:19 says:
“My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,”
Because this site tries to inject more kindness and positivity into the day, I’m going to challenge each of us to engage civilly with those we encounter this week.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
What tips and tricks have you employed to save your sanity when encountering rude people online? Chime in below!
Agree 100%!