Think Before you Hit Send: Why Online Kindness Matters

Like most parents, I wasn’t super familiar with the world of YouTube content creators. That all changed the day my then 16-year-old son announced he was becoming a motivational and weight training influencer.

The pride was instant. Here was my son, juggling schoolwork and the dedication it takes to create engaging videos, all while inspiring others. He puts his heart and soul into his content, and seeing him connect with viewers is truly rewarding.

But let’s be honest, the internet can be a scary place. It’s a double-edged sword for these young creators. As proud as I am, there’s a constant undercurrent of worry.

The anonymity of the web can embolden negativity. I can’t help but worry about him opening himself up to potential trolls or unfair and unfounded criticism. It’s a constant battle between wanting him to embrace this passion and shield him from the darker side of online interactions.

The internet is a vast landscape of information, connection, and…harsh judgement. Let’s face it, we’ve all seen it – someone posts something online, and the comment section explodes with negativity. But before we join the digital firing squad, let’s take a step back. Because free speech doesn’t mean free from responsibility.

Here’s the thing: online interactions lack the nuance of face-to-face communication. A sarcastic tweet can be misinterpreted as a personal attack. A funny meme might be offensive to someone else. We often judge entire personalities based on a single post, a snapshot in time.

Imagine if someone judged you based on a single awkward moment in your life. Not cool, right? So why do we do it to others online?

Let’s cultivate a culture of online kindness. Here are a few things we can do before we hit Send:

• Before you type, take a moment to consider the impact of your words. Would you say this to someone in person?
• Seek understanding, not outrage. If something rubs you the wrong way, try asking a question instead of launching into an attack. Maybe there’s another perspective you haven’t considered.
• Remember, there’s a human on the other side. People share their thoughts and experiences online, and negativity can sting. Let’s treat each other with respect, even if we disagree.
• Do your research! Don’t jump to conclusions based on a headline or a snippet. See if there’s more to the story before forming an opinion.

Free speech is a cornerstone of a healthy society, but it doesn’t mean there are no consequences for our words. We can all be more mindful of how we communicate online. Let’s choose kindness over judgement, understanding over outrage. Because the internet can be a powerful tool for connection, and it all starts with a little more empathy.