Can't We All Just Get Along?

After reading some posts on Facebook and blogs by other people lately I've been feeling pretty crummy. It's not necessarily what people are posting. People post things for a variety of reasons...to vent, to inform, to express an opinion, to connect with people. I get it. I obviously do these things too. What has really been bothering me is how people respond to posts/blogs. I understand there are people who write things to purposely stir the pot a bit but some people's responses are rude, disrespectful and just plain mean. When I read these things it makes me feel like we have all lost our sense of decency.

This is nothing new, I suppose. For as long as people have lived there most likely have been haters. It just seems so much worse because with social media it's all in your face, all the time. It makes people more willing to say things to others they wouldn't say to their face...except they slap an "LOL" on the end which should make it seem okay. Didn't your mother ever teach you, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all?"

I know this isn't a new, earth shattering idea. It's just been bothering me a lot lately. I know I could log off, not read it, and not deal with it but that doesn't mean it has stopped happening.

I'm not blaming social media. Social media is great for sharing with friends and family, connecting with people around the world who have similar experiences, and for me, it's been a nice place for me to indulge in writing again. Social media is a mindless tool we use to communicate. Social media is not to blame. People are. We are using and abusing it to bring others down.

I'm all for people debating and learning from one another but I feel like we have all forgotten how to do this civilly. We are all turning into big bullies. How are we supposed to teach our children to be caring and respectful when as adults we are using social media to bully each other just as much? Some of the things I read completely floor me. Not only are people bullying others who post things but others who comment on posts. I read comments that go back and forth until they are so off topic from the original post I think people just want to start a fight. They want to feel like they're right and powerful I guess.

Instead, why can't we use our words in social media, and in life in general, to lift each other up? To show we care about each other? To relate to each other and provide guidance and support? Some people are probably rolling their eyes right now and saying that's not how it works in the real world. In the real world you have to deal with criticism and disappointments. I get it. But why can't we do better?

I can do better. I know I've been guilty of reading posts and rolling my eyes or making comments to my husband. And there are probably times my children have heard me say something I wish I could take back. I'm not perfect but I will try to be better. I will honestly try to provide uplifting words instead of criticizing someone for their point of view. I will try to take on another's perspective before I rush to judge. I will try to be a good example to my children of someone who can be positive and respectful of someone even if I do disagree with them.

Can we end this cycle of hate and bullying? Can't we all just get along?