Visiting several social media networks, we come across bitter, aggressive, violent, angry and vulgar comments and conversations. Even on TV talk shows and radio programs, there is a lot of animosity and many attempts to delegitimize the opponent with exaggerated accusations, but delivered with great confidence.
We’ve reach a new low, however, in virtual relationships. People target public figures like the star of the show, politicians, and religious leaders, but also ordinary citizens who have posted opinions different from those of avid followers of a certain person.
Why have we sunk to such low levels which we then justify as freedom of expression? Venting personal frustrations or anger may seem liberating, but it certainly hurts those who receive the offensive words.
Offensive words then develop into calumnies and defamation. Observing these phenomena makes me think that giving people the chance to speak to a huge audience, with
no brakes, in real-time, allows those less balanced to give the worst of themselves. This also happens in space without filters of certain radio.
In the web, of course, these outbursts are amplified and, through the shares, they quickly reach millions of people. Maybe it’s time to ask most communication channels, like Facebook, to begin to set rules.
What effect will all this hatred have on the younger generations who are connected together for many hours? They will learn that in minutes, anything goes in our relationships? A social network without rules is becoming dangerous, not only for individuals, but also for institutions.
Civil society should seek justice and a remedy for this new danger, which attacks people unable to defend themselves. This could perhaps be one of our next battles, that is, how to express ourselves freely, but respectfully and in truth, now that social media has become the main place to express opinions.
And at times, there is no chance for one to really listen or try to understand what the others want to say or impart. Just type on a keyboard what you think and everyone will get to know it. It has become quite simple, perhaps too much so. On a social level it is so superficial.
There are many users who allow themselves to get carried away as they publish things without thinking, leaving posts which are also very strong statements. The hatred on social media has almost become a regular occurrence. Defamatory statements are so many, and sometimes used without one’s even being aware of the true facts, but only as a scapegoat for personal situations when you don’t know whom to blame.
Great hatred is also expressed around on particular issues, such as immigration, politics, religion or homosexuality. Everything can turn into cyberbullying, which fortunately we are beginning to do something about, and I believe that we have come to a point where we need to set some rules. It is true that we must not stifle freedom of expression, but we should never allow or condone racism, defamation, etc.
We should be the ones to identify what those limits are, according to our conscience. As for now, perhaps as an exercise, write something when you are alone, where apparently nobody is around to see your thoughts. Before posting it, notice what a different impression that makes, compared to saying or expressing it before an audience.
What now? Do we need to define the boundaries? Easy to say, but how do we identify what is true freedom of expression from what is violation of other people’s freedom (and also legally)? You need to pause before clicking “post”, analyze the contents if these are true and based on the facts, then evaluate if it is morally good and if it serves the common good. And in case it would hurt others, it can be presented in a more positive way. Only then can you could click “send”, “publish” or “post”. Good luck!
