I deliberately withdrew from most social media, including Facebook, following the 2016 election to prevent other people’s toxicity from entering the four walls of my home. I do not regret that decision at all.
Somehow, I still manage to keep track of the things I need to know, and of family, friends, and former friends, without engaging with them on social media.
The behavior since that election of family members and of others who I once considered dear friends was very disheartening.
It wasn’t their differing political or religious beliefs that bothered me. It was the uncovering of their bigotry and deep hatred towards those who are different from them that felt so sad to me. I don’t know how I didn’t see their prejudices before.
Last Christmas, one family member of the opposite political persuasion sat next to me with their cell phone, and repeatedly shared derogatory political memes directed at my political party.
I responded by occasionally chuckling, but not saying a word. My family member soon got up and walked away, apparently frustrated with my lack of response.
Walking away is exactly what I did when social media went from sharing happy moments to bullying others.
Plus, it’s a relief to not have to constantly “like” other people’s stuff.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm so shocked that you experience this level of racism and bigotry in your family. I'm lucky to not experience that in my circles. I'm glad you were able to get some relief by removing yourself.
Wow! Fascinating experiment! How did you get that idea?!
Feels like people used to be able to disagree in this country and it was fine. Wonder when that changed..... sometime during the first Bush administration? Or maybe I just think that because that's when I could vote and started working, paying taxes, and engaging in thoughts and and political discussions.
1) No way :) I find the less time I spend talking about politics, and even volunteering, or engaging in most ways to be an unproductive use of life force. Funny enough thinking about this year, despite what I just wrote, I've engaged in a few initiatives and am currently working on one.
2) No, but I have unfollowed people in the past on Facebook to avoid seeing negative political posts. Recently I deleted Twitter from my phone. I get sucked in to politics on there way to easily.
It's funny you point out the first Bush admin, I was kinda thinking the same thing. That does seem like when things went sideways for me. But maybe that is just because of the generation we are in?
1. Love to hear that you're working on a new initiative!
I deliberately withdrew from most social media, including Facebook, following the 2016 election to prevent other people’s toxicity from entering the four walls of my home. I do not regret that decision at all.
Somehow, I still manage to keep track of the things I need to know, and of family, friends, and former friends, without engaging with them on social media.
The behavior since that election of family members and of others who I once considered dear friends was very disheartening.
It wasn’t their differing political or religious beliefs that bothered me. It was the uncovering of their bigotry and deep hatred towards those who are different from them that felt so sad to me. I don’t know how I didn’t see their prejudices before.
Last Christmas, one family member of the opposite political persuasion sat next to me with their cell phone, and repeatedly shared derogatory political memes directed at my political party.
I responded by occasionally chuckling, but not saying a word. My family member soon got up and walked away, apparently frustrated with my lack of response.
Walking away is exactly what I did when social media went from sharing happy moments to bullying others.
Plus, it’s a relief to not have to constantly “like” other people’s stuff.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm so shocked that you experience this level of racism and bigotry in your family. I'm lucky to not experience that in my circles. I'm glad you were able to get some relief by removing yourself.
Wow! Fascinating experiment! How did you get that idea?!
Feels like people used to be able to disagree in this country and it was fine. Wonder when that changed..... sometime during the first Bush administration? Or maybe I just think that because that's when I could vote and started working, paying taxes, and engaging in thoughts and and political discussions.
1) No way :) I find the less time I spend talking about politics, and even volunteering, or engaging in most ways to be an unproductive use of life force. Funny enough thinking about this year, despite what I just wrote, I've engaged in a few initiatives and am currently working on one.
2) No, but I have unfollowed people in the past on Facebook to avoid seeing negative political posts. Recently I deleted Twitter from my phone. I get sucked in to politics on there way to easily.
It's funny you point out the first Bush admin, I was kinda thinking the same thing. That does seem like when things went sideways for me. But maybe that is just because of the generation we are in?
1. Love to hear that you're working on a new initiative!
2. That makes sense.