Thursday Thought - Social Media Rudeness

There's something terribly wrong when people feel that social media is to be used as an outlet for discouragement and rude comments.

I get it, we all have opinions.  We all can't agree with every action that someone takes.  But that is their choice.  Of course, we all have the right to voice our opinions.  Say no and try to impress upon others our way of thinking.  Express frustration and even hate.  But is it appropriate?  Are you being the better person?  Should this be done through social media?

Over time, I've watched people make rude comments online.  I've had them made towards me and confront the person who did it - they apologized and I accept their apology.  I recently watched words of discouragement and hate be made to someone I know online that were extremely rude and uncalled for.  Even when comments are made out of concern, are they really appropriate?  Is it at all appropriate to disagree or argue with someone in such a manner so publicly?


What if people disagreed with my handling of being a single parent and kept telling me how wrong I was through social media?  Who is someone else to pass their personal beliefs upon me?  What if I was a lesbian and people disagreed with my lifestyle?  Or didn't care for my religion?  Would it be ok for them to make social media their outlet to comment against my actions and beliefs?  

So here's the thing..  Facebook is a public forum.  Yes, people can say what they want... but is it ok to do this?  In my opinion, no.  I don't care how public something is, it's not their place.  Express concerns and opinions politely.  Express love.  Leave the hate for someone that's done something to you or hurt you.  Until you've walked in someone else's shoes, try to understand that people are for the most part good and have good intentions.  Know your audience and decide when best to tell someone what you think... Most likely, it's probably person-to-person or once a bad or difficult time has passed unless you are a close friend or family member.  Things should be done out of concern, not disgust.

I feel like I just talked myself in circles, but hopefully this makes some sort of sense...