Electronic Hit and Run

If you are alive and breathing, you have probably noticed that a lot of folks seem to think it is okay to criticize other people for their actions. They criticize them behind their backs and they criticize them in public. The boldest people criticize other people to their faces in an effort to embarrass and hurt them. They believe that somehow, their criticism will bring about a positive change. They think that their negative opinions of others will make a positive difference in the world. Nothing could be further from the truth. Negativity begets negativity just as positivity begets positivity. Which is better...a growing multiplicity of positive thoughts and actions or the drudgery of a continual, never-ending exchange of negative energy? The question does not require a lot of consideration...the answer is clear. Positivity is always better!

Lately, I have been witness to a preponderance of criticisms on various social media websites. These sites broadcast their words, literally worldwide, so that almost anyone with a computer in virtually any country can read the venom displayed there. People are saying things on the world-wide-web that they would never say out loud and in person. I have witnessed relatives criticizing other relatives, friends insulting friends, people unrelated in any way finding fault with others continents away in the so-called newsfeeds of Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and others. Sometimes it appears that the individuals involved are simply making desperate but poorly executed attempts at humour. However, in many cases, the humour is lost in the insulting words they have chosen. In other cases it is clear that there is no humour intended at all and the only motive his to cause harm to the victim. I call it electronic hit and run!

I have actually witnessed individuals criticizing their own religious leaders publicly on these electronic venues. It is amazes me that a person who considers himself or herself a devout believer in any organized religion would believe that public criticism on a world-wide scale is a way to improve their situation or that of their church. Whatever happened to “turn the other cheek?” I have witnessed religious leaders criticizing members of their congregations or members of a “friends group” or a “followers group” due to their lack of understanding or failure to agree on a particular religious doctrine or dogma. That doesn’t help the world either. Negative energy simply and unavoidably creates more negative energy no matter what the reason or source. We all have an obligation to drive negativity from the world and replace it with positive energy and positive actions.

Before you hit the enter key next time, read your tweet or your status update again. Is it something you would like to read about yourself? Before you reply to a tweet or a post, read what you have written and decide how you would feel if your message was directed at you by someone else. When you put negative commentary out to the world-wide-web, your lack of integrity will be on display for the world to see. Let’s not forget about the embarrassment, despair and stress you might be causing those who might believe your negativity is directed at them. Human beings simply do not have the right to harm others emotionally, psychologically or physically. Social networking is not so different from regular mail except that its poison pen letters are available to the entire world. You might think that you have gotten away with something because when you wrote the post, tweet, or update because no one could see you, when in fact you have just been found out by the entire world!

Just for fun, send some positive, uplifting comments to people you know, and those you don’t...remember, whatever you write on a social network website is totally public and available everywhere in the world. Wouldn’t you rather be caught being kind, optimistic, or funny rather than rude, dour, or pessimistic? The world-wide posting of kindness and fun is a good thing! Stop the electronic hit and run and instead, use your access to the world-wide-web to improve the planet in some small way. Every little bit helps.

All the Best!

Wayne Kehl