I genuinely adore people. Seriously. I’m that person who strikes up conversations in waiting rooms, grocery store lines, and pretty much any place where strangers convene. If you’re sporting a name tag, you’re in for a treat—I’ll use your name and, trust me, you’ll leave our encounter smiling. My career in public service demanded that I interact with strangers daily, assisting them in solving their issues.
Oh, how I relished those interactions! I appreciated humanity in all its forms—young, old, shy, boisterous, liberal, conservative—you name it. I believed in mutual respect and the idea that we’re all navigating this journey of life together. My mantra? Be kind, don’t be a jerk, and let’s make the most of our time here.
Then came the internet.
Along with this incredible resource for all things life-related (grocery shopping from my phone? Yes, please!) came a slew of new vocabulary: viral, trolls, haters, and vague-booking, to name just a few.
In my youth, trolls were fairy tale creatures lurking under bridges, stalkers were real-life threats, and “insta” was just a term for coffee crystals. I can’t recall ever using the word “hate” to describe people I encountered daily before social media.
But now? Just five minutes on social media and I’m often muttering, “I hate people.” I find myself frustrated by their rudeness, ignorance, and inability to communicate. Seriously, who raised these folks?
What has changed in our society? What happened to my love for humanity? How did I, a once-optimistic person, morph into someone who routinely feels animosity towards others? As a mother navigating the challenges of modern parenting, I’m already juggling a myriad of responsibilities. I never expected that I’d also be burdened by a genuine dislike for others. It’s exhausting, and I’m tired of carrying that weight.
So, what’s the solution? Should we all abandon our online interactions to avoid encounters with unpleasant individuals? Or can we consciously choose to embrace love for our fellow humans, imperfections and all?
In a world filled with chaos, I’ve decided to opt for love. Is it easy? Absolutely not. But is it worth it? Without a doubt.
It starts with me resisting the urge to engage in pointless arguments that only fuel negativity. I’ll remind myself that everyone carries unseen burdens, and by harboring resentment, I only add to their struggles—and my own. Instead, I’ll approach others with empathy and understanding, easing both our loads.
I’ll focus on forging real-life connections, like offering a smile to the solitary mom at the park or a word of encouragement to the exhausted waitress who has been on her feet all day. I’ll actively clear out those “all people suck” thoughts that creep into my mind and replace them with affirmations that everyone deserves kindness.
Imagine how much better our world—both online and offline—would be if we all adopted this mindset! I know mine would flourish, and my hair might even stop turning gray. Let’s choose love, forgive those who trigger our anger, and spread more joy across the internet. We’ll all reap the benefits.
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Summary:
Navigating the complexities of social media can sometimes lead to overwhelming feelings of frustration towards others. This article explores the impact of online interactions on our perceptions of humanity and offers strategies for choosing love and kindness over negativity. By fostering real-life connections and practicing empathy, we can create a more positive environment for ourselves and those around us.