As I always said, photographs are used to immortalize moments, but with the total evolution of cameras and with the rise of the 2.0 network, in my perception; It was a particular way to give voice to the images and graphics that we want to share with the world.
The digital innovation has allowed to the people: to inform, denounce, spread, teach, entertain and also harm. Many times the human beings shielded behind a keyboard prefer to unload all their frustration, anger and complexes towards those who make life on the other side of the screen. But how to avoid being victims of mistreatment in social networks, and especially how to avoid becoming a toxic digital user?
We must start from the beginning: The Acceptance.
The nature of the human beings is to find the acceptance from others, that imposing need to feel that they belong to something, feel that they are recognized and valued as they really are, ignoring defects, ways of thinking, attitudes, tastes, etc. However, they always forget the most important thing: Self-acceptance is the key to be accepted by others.
When we are able to accept ourselves as we are, we do not need to fill internal voids by depending on others, and neither to be the burden of others. While the freedom and self-assurance are the fundamental pillars of those who walk this earth without being affected by the external world.
When people truly decides to take control of their life from all senses, begins to explore their inner self, identifies and accepts their emotions, is able to ask for help, learns to forgive, shows love, becomes empathic and is respectful, recognizes their past, focuses on their present and sees their future with hope, allowing to themselves to manage their life based on their own belief system and lifestyle prototype.
In other words, when a person decides to take the control of their life that’s mean: they want to transform their actions to live peacefully within themselves, and to carry out their personal goals in the best possible way. Maybe that is why the proverb says: “The eyes are the mirror of the soul”.
But, when a person don't accept their virtues and defects, living their days into an uncertainty bubble, judgments and shortcomings, they hardly manage their life in harmony with himself neither the environment. This selfish situation not only damages the earthly vehicle of the spirit (i.e., our body) but also affects our emotions and attitudes towards ourselves and the people around us.
Coming out of the shell: Interacting With the 2.0 World.
The technology is present wherever we go, therefore, human beings want to “be part” of that busy technological presence, and the most common way to do so is through the use of social networks.
For many people, social networks are one of the best technological inventions of recent times, for others it is hell itself. For me, it depends on two things: on how the emotional part of an individual is, and the real purpose to belong into a social networks.
A person whose emotional side is sufficiently stable and healthy (with the control of their own life) will probably make appropriate use of social networks, interact intelligently in them without being intensely influenced, and even know how to discern between those that cannot really add value into their life, and consequently will avoid subscribing to them.
While the person who doesn't know how to manage their emotions in positively and negatively way, and can't be able to control their own life, can easily succumb into this technological ocean of emotions and insights. This is where the differences between a digital victim and a digital victimizer lie.
Identifying the users: The Victim and the Digital Predator.
When we decided to use social networks, we must be aware of the emotions that move us forward to be part of a community and accept the fact that there are people who can support or disagree with our insights and feelings in an empathetic and respectful way. But at the same time; there are people who in a very opposite way can mock our opinions, feel offended, veto it, condemn it and even attack us with the pleasure of doing harm, because they are people who do not know how to manage their emotions or control their lives.
It is important to analyze the social network we want to join, and evaluate if it fits into our belief system and lifestyle. In this way we will most likely avoid becoming victims of digital predators, and at the same time; indirectly we won't assume the role of an online toxic user. Because what would happen if you enter a social network or a community that is totally opposed to your beliefs and insights?
When you see the expressions and opinions of the members of that group, if you don't control yourself and with the expressions with the community you will say your “fair opinion” and the other members will see you as an intruder and consequently will attack you, you will become a victim of aggression, therefore you will respond with another attack (As a natural defense action) and so on making that experience a vicious toxic circle.
Therefore, always evaluate the networks you want to belong, and if you find one that you consider extremely harmful to the emotional health of people, immediately denounce them by contacting the organizations that are responsible for sanctioning, condemning and vetoing this type of websites, but don't try to do justice with your “own keyboard” because you will plunge into a deep toxic ocean, and it will be very difficult to get out.
Assuming attitudes: Intervening in a Social Network.
When you're deciding to intervene in a social network, you must always keep the following in mind:
Respect the opinions of other members.
Don't emit destructive opinions.
Don't judge.
If you see any inappropriate attitude or opinion, write directly to the administrators of the group or community. Avoid creating controversies within the chat group.
If someone writes to you, respond appropriately. Remember, the rules of the good speaker and listener can also be applied in the digital world.
Don't intervene or give opinions in other people's conversations.
Respect the internal rules of the group or community.Don't share images or any digital content that is not in accordance with the “group purpose”.
Don't share digital content that damages a person's image or reputation.
My Final Words:
There are many ways to use of social networks, as long as we are aware of the cultural and emotional diversity that exists in it.
From contacting childhood friends, to joining a German gastronomy group, learn how to build a homemade rocket, and even more in the infinite sea of the social networks. It will always depend on us and the way that we want to achieve the best results during our navigation on the World Wide Web.
What others behaviors you consider appropriate in social networks to get the best benefits from them?
The flyers and the banner with its images were created using The Canva App.