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For myself, social media (Facebook) makes me upset for several reasons. Besides the usual reasons of seeing disturbing news and advertisements, being manipulate

by dgzl 9y ago

For myself, social media (Facebook) makes me upset for several reasons. Besides the usual reasons of seeing disturbing news and advertisements, being manipulated by the system, and the creepy feeling of being digitally analyzed for profit, there exists a more serious problem. I have friends from all over the spectrum, from poor to wealthy, simple to intelligent, young to old. However I find something in almost all of my friend's posts (or reposts) that I highly disagree with (either by fact or opinion), and feel socially compelled not to stand up against their message. I've tried engaging in logical or political conversion with my friends, but it almost always backfires, usually because either a) the conversation is too much for them and they concede, or b) swarms of like-minded bystanders join and dominate via mob-rule. Usually, in neither of these situations does the original poster really consider changing their position. Topics that I come across that make me cringe could be family who perpetuate crystal healing or conspiracy theories, or co-workers who repost anti-Constitution political rhetoric. How is a moderate Libertarian supposed to survive on social media, ignoring nonsense from their friends and family?

logiclion 9y ago
I've also thought this exact thing, the reality is (to me at least) everyone processes information and forms opinions differently. The climate of political discourse, in my opinion, has a large majority in a defensive mindset. What people express as an opinion or 'thought' on social media is currently from the same place I believe. We are so used to being 'sold' a message on these platforms, that we forget the real 'purpose'. Which I believe is, social validation from peers. Not to think the same, but to be reinforced that it's okay to have a opinion and that I can recognize as my own, separate from others. Individuality can be chaotic but there's a good side to it...
hathawsh 9y ago
When I want to reply to posts like that, I ponder until I can think of something to say that is short, simple, and kind. My goal is not to correct them but rather to build a relationship of trust. If they learn to trust me, they are far more likely to join my side on important matters. Also consider that most people don't have your writing skills and will get frustrated when they try to engage in a debate with you in writing. Most people are more comfortable when speaking (especially face to face) rather than writing. That's why most of the real political discussion continues to happen offline, even today.
- ballenf 9y ago
  Very smart approach. It's human nature to react poorly to being publicly criticized or humiliated (in case of the crystal healing stuff). Given that, I also strive to direct message the poster and ask the leading questions or point out the problems. They might even take down their post or alter it. You have to be willing not to get any credit and go unseen, which probably feels alien to many social media users.
ianstallings 9y ago
You said it yourself, by ignoring nonsense. I used to engage and I still do chime in once or twice a year. But overall I just ignore those posts and move on with my life. I've learned I can be close to people that have incredibly different life philosophies. It really is your choice and it comes back to the stoic philosophy of changing the things you can change and have a meaningful impact on your life, while ignoring everything else. That probably sounds like blasphemy in today's connected, opinionated, world. But it helps me cope.

by dgzl 9y ago

logiclion 9y ago

I've also thought this exact thing, the reality is (to me at least) everyone processes information and forms opinions differently. The climate of political discourse, in my opinion, has a large majority in a defensive mindset. What people express as an opinion or 'thought' on social media is currently from the same place I believe. We are so used to being 'sold' a message on these platforms, that we forget the real 'purpose'. Which I believe is, social validation from peers. Not to think the same, but to be reinforced that it's okay to have a opinion and that I can recognize as my own, separate from others. Individuality can be chaotic but there's a good side to it...

hathawsh 9y ago

When I want to reply to posts like that, I ponder until I can think of something to say that is short, simple, and kind. My goal is not to correct them but rather to build a relationship of trust. If they learn to trust me, they are far more likely to join my side on important matters. Also consider that most people don't have your writing skills and will get frustrated when they try to engage in a debate with you in writing. Most people are more comfortable when speaking (especially face to face) rather than writing. That's why most of the real political discussion continues to happen offline, even today.

ballenf 9y ago
Very smart approach. It's human nature to react poorly to being publicly criticized or humiliated (in case of the crystal healing stuff). Given that, I also strive to direct message the poster and ask the leading questions or point out the problems. They might even take down their post or alter it. You have to be willing not to get any credit and go unseen, which probably feels alien to many social media users.

ianstallings 9y ago

You said it yourself, by ignoring nonsense. I used to engage and I still do chime in once or twice a year. But overall I just ignore those posts and move on with my life. I've learned I can be close to people that have incredibly different life philosophies. It really is your choice and it comes back to the stoic philosophy of changing the things you can change and have a meaningful impact on your life, while ignoring everything else. That probably sounds like blasphemy in today's connected, opinionated, world. But it helps me cope.