Social Media Shenanigans:Complicated Controversies

Let’s face it. There are very few topics in this current climate that are not considered controversial. Whilst in the past only certain champions could tackle controversy and still come out unscathed, the rapid growth and integration of social media in our daily lives means that anyone can jump into the arena and have their say. Don’t be fooled by the convenience of it all. There are repercussions when you decide to take a shot at burning topics. I love the freedom that let’s our voices be heard but it’s also important to follow some guidelines, for the sake of your reputation and to avoid the backlash that can become your new dreaded reality.

Face-to-face debate is guided by an innate sense of respect for the other participants. It usually takes a longer period of time before the conversation tone escalates. It takes more effort before the exchanged becomes heated. The usual rules of conversation don’t seem to apply on social media platforms. The shroud of anonymity that social media provides makes discussions on social media platforms a tricky road to traverse, with people voicing their opinions far more bravely than they ever would if placed in a room with the same people involved in the online conversation.

Here are just a few things to consider if you decide that a matter is close enough to your heart that it warrants your voice being heard.

Set rules for yourself about how you will deal with controversial issues. Will you research first? Will you seek advice or will you just respond off the cuff? Ask yourself if it’s feasible to continue a discussion on a social media platform or can you message the person privately and have a one-on-one. In the age of technology, even if the person is not local to your vicinity, you can still arrange to take the discussion further via another platform that allows you both the privacy and space to maturely air your grievances or differences of opinion.

Don’t argue on social media. It can very quickly become a barrage of, “Yes you did!!” and “No I didn’t” which can go on endlessly because, well, it can!

Remain true to your core beliefs and root values. Be accountable if you take a stance to address a controversial topic. The very nature of social media means you don’t have time to be wishy-washy. You will have to dig deep to summon up the courage to go the distance once you decide to voice your opinion. Remember the post on the screen shot is from the devil? There are no take-backs.

A good starting point before you take off is to stress that you are joining the controversial discussion for an opportunity to learn. Sure-you have an opinion but you want to make sure you leave the discussion more enlightened.

Be honest but in the same vein, allow others to voice their honest opinions too. People’s feelings are no less intense because the medium of discussion is not face-to-face. In fact, the intensity is so much more amplified because the nuances of normal conversation are absent. Good, strong, kind words can be just as effective to convey an opinion without anyone being hurt or belittled in the process.

My final thoughts on this would be:

· Do only speak up for issues you really feel strongly about. Some issues just don’t need any more time or attention given to it.

· Do use common sense before you say anything.

· Do remember you can’t take back something you say on social media and it’s harder to repair your reputation than it is to just remain silent.