Do you actually sit next to strangers on the train and tell them that you think their shoes are ugly, that you would rather read a different book, and that they’re definitely living their lives wrong?
No? Then don’t do that shit on the internet either.
Do you actually sit next to strangers on the train and tell them to not do that shit?
No? Then 🤔
Well, if a Nazi is doing fascist things, for example, I will of course do "that shit".
@Strandjunker Something @jeffjarvis said about #norms fired up my brain & I recall the voting maps: esp. the rural areas, always more conservative than the urban, liberal cities. And there’s this cultural clash, misunderstanding & bias btw them, and #socialmedia is the arena for them, where impulsive bullies, libs & cons double-down, point fingers, trigger reactions bc "the man" need attn to feel alive, to mark his territory, and costs does not matter!
"That’s a powerful and important reminder about empathy and respect—especially online, where it’s easy to forget there are real people on the other side of the screen. The internet should be a space for connection, learning, and support, not judgment or unsolicited criticism." - AI generated response -
As much as I am very concerned about AI, I find more productive, thoughtful and and mentally healthy to engage with my AI assistant that with real people online.
@Strandjunker I'm not sure that I get the metaphor.
So this is about strangers on a train who are silent, ie, are not telling vile lies or giving instructions on causing more animal cruelty to the other travelers for example, are not even saying incomprehensible stuff and aren't blatantly displaying Nazi symbols, right?
So this is obviously not about replying and rather a call to self-censor? And it has to do with directly addressing one specific fellow traveler?
Sorry, I'm not getting it.
@Strandjunker In both cases, it's a question of whether your expressed view adds value. I walk a lot and I might say to an elderly woman , "that's a great color for you". I'd never say "what were you thinking when you got that tatoo?"
On the net, I want to see added value in a comment. If it's an contrary opinion, it needs to be framed in a way that adds an alternative point of view, that can be valuable.
Tempting but no.
I don't do this on the internet but the train scenario really hit home.
I gotta stop doing that.
@Strandjunker The reality is, that the internet's alleged anonymity allows for this behavior. Of course now, with the likes of the MAGA types, they might just do it in person, then, if you engage, shoot you or bludgeon you with a sense that they have approval from dear leader and will be pardoned.
Perhaps, this is a lesson best suited for kindergarten and grammar school, raising a generation with better sensibilities.
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