Life Beyond the Screen: There's a Real PERSON on the End of That Comment!

There is little doubt in my mind that the Internet has been a great benefit for many many aspects of our lives!

We now have access to instant news, shopping all around the world, sharing pictures with our friends far away in real time and lots of other things.

I write these words as a frequent social media user, both in a personal capacity, as well as for my White Light Express ministry — because I think it's important to share them and regularly remind people of certain aspects of our lives in "virtual space."

As great as social media can be, it also has a dark side. As you no doubt realize, in some ways, social media can be very polarizing, and as a result of that polarization people often end up "behaving badly," as a result of which others end up with hurt feelings.

It might be tempting to shove such a statement aside as "no big deal," but let us not forget that harsh comments on social media have been documented to be responsible not only for depression, but even for suicides; and these days we even see various celebrities share their "hate mail" from social media platforms as "viewer worthy" content.

Why so much hate, verbal aggression and sometimes unprovoked rage?

One of the things we tend to forget — because we're sitting in the privacy of our offices or living rooms being Keyboard Warriors — is that we may read some comment or article that gets us all fired up because it triggers some of our own fears and hot spots, but those articles and comments were created by a real flesh and blood human being with a life and feelings, and not just by an avatar on a screen.

Again, it's tempting to say that people should "just get over themselves," and that it's no big deal. But if that were really true, then why are people so often deeply distraught and even traumatized by trolls, online bullies, and even being ostracized in online groups?

Having been online for many many years, I think it is wise to pause and remember one of the old "Rules of Engagement" of the early Internet: If you wouldn't say it to somebody face-to-face, you have no business typing it in response to something you saw online!

Just think about it, for a moment. Think about it, next time you're tempted to fire off an angry and spiteful response to some statement you don't agree with!

And yet? Many people see it as OK to take out their buried aggressions on somebody else's opinion because that person is so far removed from their reality by merit of the fact that they're sitting in their living room thousands of miles away.

That is not a valid excuse!

As stated above, we might be tempted to think that it's not a serious problem. But I know it's more of a problem than most people admit, because I actually end up discussing "online incidents" like these with clients during therapy sessions, even if that wasn't their primary reason for coming to see me.

Even if you don't feel inclined (or feel too angry) to be kind to somebody — although it would be better if you were — at least you can be courteous and not just aggressive and ruthless. Generally very little is gained from such behavior, and remember you are talking to a real person on the other end of whatever commentary you're tapping into your keyboard. A real person, with real feelings; feelings that might be severely hurt if you resort to meaningless name calling.

So please don't! We can only make the world better if we set the example ourselves.

If you do catch yourself wanting to respond in anger, take a moment to ask yourself why. What is prompting you to want to hurt someone else, with your words? And if it happens frequently, keep in mind that you might be the "common denominator," not the person at the other end!

Thanks for coming to visit, and Bright Blessings to all!

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You are not alone! (Graphic is our own)

The White Light Express Mission Statement:

Since October 2001, the mission of the White Light Express has been to offer healing and transformation through focused positive intention, meditation and prayer. Right Thought is the first step toward Right Action and consciousness. We believe that “holding the vibration” is a profound task and our divine destiny.

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