…never argue without backed up facts. Go back re-read the authors’ views, ask them for clarity of statements that are controversial or contradictory. You may be shocked that specific statements may have slightly different meanings attached to them than you thought. In other words, our perceptions and interpretation of the English language may intercept with the denotative meanings we attach to certain words and expressions.
All the rave about Facebook, Instagram, blogs, Twitter and other social media platforms can sometimes be overwhelming. While you try to keep up with the latest information, gist and happenings, there is the possibility of getting carried away with the heat of an ongoing conversation. Your burning desire to air your opinion about the issue at hand may result in an unchecked spat.
Have you noticed the amount of insults traded on many forums, especially on sensitive topics? As it appears, many people leave hurt, some as winners, and others more confused than ever. Usually the authors are unduly attacked, observers who happen to share their opinions become in themselves victims and the purpose of the discourse is thrown off tangent. Blog administrators and original writers unfortunately do not guide many of these arguments. It is worrisome that a large proportion of these ‘commentators’ are not only civilised and educated adults, a number of them are influential in their own rights. It boils down to the question: “Do you leave your civilization out of your social media discussions?”
Still, some claim to be Christians but one struggles to reconcile their faith with their comments, pictures and postings!
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. – Colossians 4:6.
It is an acceptable trend on many social sites to leave anonymous comments. Nevertheless, anonymous hurtful comments don’t give you invincibility and an untraceable-all-risk free license as you might think. This may not come to you as a surprise but in this age of technological advancements, any person can be found!
The people behind the screen names are people with real emotions, address them as such.
Other readers have a different background from yours, different experiences and beliefs. For you to be successful on social media, you must first learn to listen objectively. Whether or not they are right, you can choose to disagree in a friendly manner without a curse word attached to your response.
It is disgraceful to have so called adults trade words like unruly children.
Some readers deliberately attack writers. An attack on a writer is detrimental to creative work. It is hard to sit, pull thoughts together, research on a subject matter, and it is harder penning thoughts down in words. If the author has not done justice to a prevailing issue or maybe his/her views don’t sit right with you, be kind enough to spot the pitfalls in the writing piece without insulting his/her creative intelligence or leaving the writer feeling demoralised. You should know that every author has to overcome the difficulty of putting him/herself and pieces out there. Please don’t make it any harder.
Constructively engage in the discussion based on the views the author has put forward and not the writer’s personality. You can start-off with an encouraging word followed by your own views, contrary or not to that offered. As I said earlier, those expressing opinion are people too!
In addition, never argue without backed up facts. Go back re-read the authors’ views, ask them for clarity of statements that are controversial or contradictory. You may be shocked that specific statements may have slightly different meanings attached to them than you thought. In other words, our perceptions and interpretation of the English language may intercept with the denotative meanings we attach to certain words and expressions. For example, to one group of people saying “get over it” may be rude but to some other group of people, it may mean nothing more than those words. In essence, study your community and know what is obtainable.
If you are a writer, you should strive to express your thoughts with as much clarity and still courteously maintain your opinions on the subject matter at hand. Respond to critics and difficult comments wisely.
Having said all, here are a few suggestions to consider before you respond to arguments, air your views or attack a fellow reader:
· Don’t get so caught up in the heat of a discourse to the point of losing your dignity;
· Be respectful at all times. Kind words are usually reciprocated with kindness;
· Never publish swear words;
· Make sure you think thoroughly before hitting the ‘publish’ button;
· Are your arguments baseless? Join conversations with relevant information, not baseless and vague statements;
· Is your comment something you would be proud of if your kids read it? Would you be proud of your comment, picture, and video after 5 years?
· If you are in conflict about whether ‘to publish’ or ‘not to publish’; hold on and do it later when you might have achieved better clarity;
· If someone makes the same comment you are about making about you, how would you feel? Have you done it graciously?
· Is there anything positive someone can learn from your opinion or example?
· Is the picture explicit, does it represent you well? If no, don’t post it!
Social media commentary are extensions of our lives. They represent us whether or not we acknowledge it; we are fully responsible for what we do with and on our platforms. The words, pictures and videos reach further than we imagine and at a pace that is mostly uncontrollable. Be sensible about your social media lifestyle.
Finally, take this home,
One day you will give account of every idle word and utterance!
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. – Matthew 12:36.
By His Great Grace,
Ifeoma Samuel
Ifeoma Samuel is an author, blogger and speaker at women’s conferences. She uses her writings to share everyday life stories about God’s immense love, and is the author of My 30 Days Journey To a Fulfilled Life. Visit her blog Purposeful And Meaningful and you can follow her on Pinterest|Google+|Facebook
