It’s really unnerving how people aren’t thoughtful about what they say or how much critical thinking isn’t a common trait. The tool of social media isn’t the total cause, more something that exacerbates existing issues…. Insecurities, self-worth, fear manifesting in how we interact with each other on there. People are always on the defense, people are always ready to discredit someone else, cancel culture, cults of personalities, identity culture wars, clout chasing, ads ready to suggest that you buy something to bandaid your insecurities…it’s a lot.
Lots of folks are leaving to get away from the toxicity… or taking breaks…but I feel like that isn’t the whole answer either. The damage is done to our society built on the internet of things…and while a stranger is less likely to walk up to you and tell you they don’t like the show depicted on the shirt you’re wearing… 🥴 The trade off is that you’d go back to pockets of comfort where you’re not being challenged as often…less learning opportunities for you to really think about your beliefs and why you have them if those beliefs are challenged…if you’re open to growing in that way anyway…and if you ARE self aware about how all this works, that’s one less person here with us who won’t bring balance to the force.
I think a better solution, and a much more laborious one, is to fix the issue at the core. Consider your insecurities, self-worth, fears. Own them. Accept them. Have grace for yourself when they get triggered. Find ways to manage or release them. Then you can learn how to “observe without absorbing” things you come across on here.
Again, not an easy task.
FOR ME to avoid this place would be spiritual bypassing…putting something off because I don’t want to deal with why it bothers me….and the bothering me part is 100% me and not the “it”. I’ve come a long way in some ways in not letting the internet get on me…but now it’s more the weariness of watching everyone let it get on them…I have to close stuff down to not rant about not falling for the matrix….
Part of my journey…integrating that everybody is walking thiers at their own pace.