Some people create their own storms, then get upset when it rains. - Arul Rose
Oh, what would life be without all the drama.
Social networks are an ideal breeding ground for artificial irritation.
Some teasing, some triggering, a little downvote - and a loving father bangs up and becomes a dreaded troll, starting to use words he never used before.
How come that in digital networks people lose their temper over apparently unimportant details so quickly? What was first: chicken or egg, media or troll?
Maybe we do confuse anonymity with a jester's licence.
The fact that we're able to hide ourselves behind an avatar, doesn't mean that we're free to do whatever we want - especially if other people are involved.
What falls by the wayside while we go crazy about nothing, is one of the most essential components in communication: respect.
Why so nervous?
A lot of scientists and authors have started to do their research about the growing irritability in our digitalized society.
Many of them come to the conclusion that one of the central issues is a lack of education.
There's no training needed to open a social media account and to start blog posting the hell out of it. On one hand, the open access to those communities is one of their greatest benefits, on the other hand it implies a risk for people, for human rights and moralities.
Digital communities are still in their infancy - a brand-new gadget that comes without any instruction manual.
Now we find ourselves in that multicolored pot of emotions that comes to the boil in no time, and nobody taught us how to behave and act properly.
Barriers are low when I don't need to look my dialogue partner into the eyes, and it takes a good portion of education and a strong set of human values to not step into the trap and take advantage of that digital shield.
Yes, I've stepped into that trap, too, and I definitely regret it. That's exactly one of the reasons why I've begun to rack my brains about the why.
Why can't we just talk to each other like human beings.
Captured in Soho, New York (2017)
Big times for the
.
It's a fantastic tool to de-escalate, a playful way of saying: c'mon, you just stepped over the edge - and you know it.
We need more of it: more playful tools, more winks, more de-escalation, more serenity and more social instinct.
Digital networks are briliant concepts that are definitely able to enrich our lives in many ways. We shouldn't jeopardize that only because we're unable to control ourselves.
Let's debat about things and stop attacking each other on a personal level. It's totally okay to not agree with someone else - healthy discussion is exactly what keeps a network alive.
But you don't need to hate in order to disagree, and you don't need to hurt in order to win.
Remember: Whenever you start a conversation online: try to act as you would act in a face-to-face situation. Respect the human being that's sitting on the other end of the line. When feeling attacked, take a deep breath, hold on for a moment and think twice before texting back. The smarter person gives in.
Let's make social media more social.
Much love,
Marley -
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This blog was created in July 2016, aiming to provide thought-provoking content for open-minded people who go on adventure, step out of comfort zones and embrace the new.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
PS: All my blog posts are created and submitted via eSteem Surfer - my favorite Steem desktop client that was developed by 
Original content.