Dealing with ‘Internet Anger’
Hi there. If you read my previous post, I would like to say thank you. I got really amazing feedbacks from you. If you haven’t, you are not late to the party. You can read up here.
I would also like to appreciate my friend, Victor “Rexx” Ojo for giving me a pool of options to write from. Interestingly, he’s a brand and content strategist and he writes amazing contents on branding. I’ve asked another friend to suggest something for me to write on and I’ve successfully picked from her options. In this life, have goood friends. I’ll be publishing that very soon but not today. Your inbox could just be the next where you’ll see my message.
I have realized recently that quite a number of people have been raging online, especially on Twitter. While the reasons for such rage may not be farfetched especially in a political season as this, an ethics expert once explained that “people wrongly conclude that rage is how public ideas are talked about”. The truth is that it is not.
Internet anger is not entirely different from anger itself. It is simply anger that spurs from online conversations and disagreements. While disagreements are inevitable, they can be taken too far when the conversation becomes aggressive. Sadly, that’s the scenario today.
Now, here’s the thing: I don’t fancy Twitter. I use the platform regularly but it’s an extremely wild and unpredictable place. You really can’t foretell what is going to happen next after you tweet an opinion to millions of people who have different opinions. In a company of ten, it takes only one angry person to make nine other calm people angry on Twitter. That’s how Twitter works.
Being on Twitter can be compared to driving a car. You have to behave like you’re the only sane person on that street and assume that everyone else thinks differently.
This does not apply only to Twitter. It applies to every social media network where public views and opinions are expressed. The reality today is that everyone has an opinion whether or not they are knowledgeable about the subject matter in view. Our mobile device has given everyone that privilege. While it’s a very good privilege, it has been abused by many and has done more harm than good.
So, what should you do when you are irked by a tweet or by an opinion from someone you don’t particularly agree with online?
- Introspect Before Responding: Examine your feelings and the thoughts you want to express. Is it worth it? Will it cause more harm than good? Will I be understood after responding? These are important questions you need to answer before moving ahead with your opinion.
- Speak with Grace: When responding to opinions online, you don’t have to use uncourt or vile words before you make a statement. You can be heard even by speaking gently and graciously.
Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?
Proverbs 15:1 (TPT)
- Avoid Sarcasm: It feels good to be sarcastic but it doesn’t always end well. Many people at the receiving end of such savagery develop hurt and offence especially when they meant well in the first place. While sarcasm can be catchy, it’s not always healthy.
- Send a Direct Message: This applies particularly to those you are close to. When you don’t agree with the opinion of a friend, you can send a direct message to the person stating calmly why you disagree with the opinion expressed and what you think the right thing should be. I find it appalling when supposed friends have an argument or call out each other in front of a huge crowd of people who can hear every word. When you disagree with a friend’s opinion, endeavor to clarify the statement made using the DM.
- Ignore: Most of the time, the best way to disagree is to ignore. One thing is certain- opinions will always differ till Jesus returns. The urge to respond to every opinion can destroy a generation. (I know I’m speaking like Apostle Joshua Selman now… but you get it). You don’t need to have a take on everything. Just move on.
I don’t expect internet rage to cease all of a sudden but in all of your speech, be kind, gentle and gracious. Don’t burn bridges with friends and people over inane altercations or arguments that can be avoided. It remains easier to prevent than to cure. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’ll have to delete inappropriate tweets or issue apologies over mis-construed comments. Remember, the internet never forgets.
Till another time,
Love and Light.
