Believe me, I get it, at times do it -and yet the quick and sometimes truly inane, unthinking venting in ANY social media context means what we have is the opportunity to complain. Trying that in a number of countries around the world will get you locked up and worse.
I'm not the cheerleader for any nation and as much as I love the U.S. I'm also not ignorant of past and present genocide (and that's accurate) or merely racist, maximum SELF interest that often permeates our venting. Note, "ingno rant". All of us rant. So the love-hate matter of social media that feeds and makes serious money re. adds and etc. because the companies and laws allow us the freedom to do it.
For several years I've lurked more than posted. I've always loved hearing and now often online reading what people comment. Also true is there are bots, bad actors and various dolts commenting so don't be fooled thinking sane, thoughtful people are doing all the posting in the comments sections of the issues you're reading regardless of the site.
The more clicks the more money is made. Ahhh capitalism at it's finest.
Yet some of the more important and even needful posts and comments are worth considering. All of this amounts to a zillion-watt international radio station where anybody can rattle off on the mic and drop whatever they wish to -at least for the most part. Are there censors via various laws and company policies in most all countries that therefore somewhat limit free speech? Of course.
All this to say I'm thankful I have the option to merely read, look, consider and move on without jumping into the countless disputes, online street fights that surface continually in social media. Such self-restraint, the fruit of self control is essential for one's mental, emotional and perhaps even physical health.
"Building up" and not merely "tearing down" as Paul wrote, is truly Jesus' Own approach in 98 percent of the recorded Gospels. As a follower of His I seek to practice thoughtful engagement and sometimes in some ways, a loving, sane distance. Note the term "sane". This too is a gift from God whether online or not.
Things worth considering in the social media landscape and minefield? I think so.
As always, thanks for stopping by! -Glenn
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