How Did Facebook Go From Fun to Being a Toxic Place to Socialize!

 / 

Facebook Go From Fun to Being a Toxic Place to Socialize!
Facebook used to be a place where “friends” got together to exchange ideas, opinions and engage in discussion. My personal Facebook page is my social media “home.” I behave in the same way there as I would in my actual home (or yours).

I invite you in to converse, give your opinion, exchange views and information, agree or disagree—always in a kind, respectful manner.

But today, our online “neighborhood” seems to be a place where we vent our anger at each other. We vomiting venomous words and even threats as we pass by in the street. We shout insults out of the window and humiliate each other as sport from our front porches. Even the most basic level of civility seems to be a thing of the past. And it’s gotten worse over the last 18 months of this presidential election.

What has happened to all of us?

We used to have one source of news we could all listen to and trust, whether it was Eric Sevareid, Huntley-Brinkley, Walter Cronkite or John Chancellor. These people came from dedicated news rooms where the news wasn’t a profit center at a network. We trusted these moderators and journalists to objectively tell us the truth. They took pride in reporting the news with professionalism and integrity. They won Pulitzers and Peabody awards for their talents and efforts.

Then, with the advent of FOX News, MSNBC and their ilk, news became info-tainment, which was entertaining and often based on biased opinions mixed with some news. It was interesting and sure sounded like the truth because it was what some of the angriest of us wanted to believe was so. But the devil is in the details.

This type of news-entertainment show was highly profitable. Network executives realized that there was big money in pandering to a group of angry and disaffected people for ratings. And with the advent of social media, we graduated to entirely fake news, brought to you by your favorite special-interest group, lobbyist or corporate promoter. We now have two sources of news.

One is factual news, sometimes with a liberal or conservative slant. The other is extremist, “blame-everyone else” news that thrives on scapegoating and telling us our problems are all someone else’s fault.

Read Our Brains on Smartphones, (Un)social media, and Our Mental Health

We have become polarized

These pandering, media profiteers have created a large group of Americans who live in a bubble—an alternate reality where everyone else is to blame. Sadly, many of those people voted for Donald J. Trump as their next President. Trump was masterful at pandering to them and becoming one of them—he is their champion.

In recent elections, (Bush vs. Gore, Obama vs. McCain or Obama vs. Romney), the candidates had different views but they and we still were able to be civil to each other. But over the past eight years, the disgruntled seem to have made their way into our Congress with the support of those living in the media-supported blame bubble. On top of this we’ve had eight years of an obstructionist Congress blocking the actions of a President who was elected with the majority of the vote.

This past presidential election has brought out the worst in many of us. We’re all desperate for change, in our different ways. For many people, Trump represented that change. Social media, especially Facebook, provided us all with a platform to vent our frustrations and get ourselves, and everyone else, stirred up.

If the rhetoric online is anything to go by, Trump’s advocates do not care about really helping people by making sure that those who live in poverty have enough to eat; or that everyone has the health care they need; or ensuring education is more affordable for the young to improve themselves and be competitive in the 21st century.

Instead, it’s all about assigning blame for where we are personally and as a nation. It’s about character assassination and vilifying others (whether it’s Hillary or Obama). It ignores truth and reality, which brings us back to that obstructionist Congress refusing to negotiate and compromise in the interest of the people.

In the midst of all this upset, our country grows more ignorant and less informed, culminating nearly a month ago now in our first “fact-free” election. Feelings trumped truth, and our feelings are so extreme and violent we’ve become estranged from each other, and from any middle ground we share.

How can we become friends again, and not just by Facebook category?

I’m delighted to exchange conversation with those who have different views than mine, just as sharing the same beliefs and background as me is not a prerequisite to a warm welcome in my home. But, from this day forward, I will only engage further if you as civil and respectful as I promise to be with you.

Facebook is an amazing tool for communication and community. It should be fun, diverse, interesting and stimulating—even if we disagree with others, we can still feel like—they are a good friend (with a strong opinion) who we’ve had a visit with.

And one more thing: let’s find and support trustworthy news sources with integrity who we can believe in. It’s our best chance at finding our shared truth again and coming together as fellow Americans and human beings.

Read 5 Social Media Habits That Are Red Flags Of An Unhappy Relationship


If you’re in love and want to find out if you’re really compatible with marriage (or partnership) with another person, go to the Free Love Compatibility Calculator and enter your birth date and theirs. And, if you want a customized report on your compatibility together, order Your Love Compatibility Report.

— Share —

— About the Author —

Responses

  1. Tammy Winters-Rose Avatar
    Tammy Winters-Rose

    People

Leave a Reply



Up Next

9 Lessons From Samantha Jones’ Quotes Every Single Woman Should Read

Best Samantha Jones Quotes That Teaches Us Life Lessons

As an adult, rewatching Sex and the City feels like opening a treasure chest of wisdom. Especially when it comes to Samantha Jones quotes, she’s the epitome of fearless confidence. And who doesn’t love a good truth bomb?

One of her most iconic lines is: “I don’t care what you think.” It’s so powerful because it reminds us all to embrace our unique selves and let whatever people say just slide off.

If you haven’t revisited the series in a while, I highly recommend watching it again. You’ll be surprised at how much more sense Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall will make this time around.

And if you don’t have time fo



Up Next

10 Socially Conscious And Most Popular Fandoms In The World

Top Most Popular Fandoms That Create Social Impact

In a world full of countless stories and characters, popular fandoms are massive. They’re not just groups of people who like the same movie or TV show – they’re communities that are deeply immersed in their favorite fictional worlds.

Fans make every little detail their own, feelings as if it happened to them and experience every emotion on a personal level.

They can be Potterheads or they might be stans of Marvel, DC or anything else. It doesn’t matter what story they love, the only thing that is certain is that they feel everything at a much deeper level than most people.

From a victory to a tragic death, from a plot twist to the end of the storyline; tears, laughter and celebration are shared as if it were their own,



Up Next

Meaningful Coincidences: The Science Of Synchronicity and Its Mysterious Impact on Your Life

The Science of Synchronicity And Meaningful Coincidences

Have you ever experienced a series of events that seemed too remarkable to be mere chance? Moments when the universe seemed to align, and the boundaries between the inner and outer world blurred? These instances, known as synchronicity, are captivating meaningful coincidences that leave us in awe of the mysteries that surround our lives. 

Let us embark on an exploration of meaningful coincidences, unravel the science of synchronicity, and understand the profound role of synchronicity in your life.

What is Synchronicity?

Synchronicity refers to the simultaneous occurrence of events that hold a significant meaning to the individual experiencing them but have no apparent causal connection. 



Up Next

The Profound Spiritual Meaning Of Tornadoes In Dreams: 4 Hidden Messages

The Profound Spiritual Meaning Of Tornadoes In Dreams

Ever had a dream about the chaotic fury of a tornado? Dreams can be overwhelming at times, but dreams are often subtle messages from your subconscious. So are there any hidden spiritual meaning of tornadoes in dreams?

Dreams can often be mysterious, captivating, and laden with symbolism. While some dreams may seem abstract or random, others carry deeper significance, offering us insights into our subconscious mind and spiritual journey. 

While we may forget most of our dreams when we wake up in the morning, there may be a deeper reason why you are dreaming about tornadoes. Such dreams signify that your mind is utilizing the imagery of tornadoes to express and indicate something deeper inside you.

When you reflect on your tornado dreams, you can tap into your subconsc



Up Next

8 Mesmerizing Slow Burn Romance Movies And TV Shows To Wander Into Love

Best Slow Burn Romance Movies And TV Shows

In a world where relationships are often rushed through, slow burn romances are probably what we all need.

Slow-burn love is gentle and patient, it allows two people to truly know each other before they dive into the thick of it. These kind of slow burn romance movies and TV shows tell us vivid stories about love that grows like a flickering flame until it’s a warm hearth fire.

They steal glances, have heartfelt conversations, each moment growing more and more eager for their next interaction. And there’s something special about that anticipation.

It creates depth between characters when you see them grow closer episode by episode or scene by scene.

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the busiest city or quietest village, these stories always resonate



Up Next

13 Steamy Romance Novels That Will Leave You Wanting More

Steamy Romance Novels And Best Adult Books To Read

Do you want add some spice to your reading list? We have a collection of steamy romance novels that will keep you hooked from beginning to end!

Forget the clichés of Fifty Shades of Grey because we’ve curated a list of 12 best adult books to read that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

They’re not just average sexy romance novels with a weak plot but these consist of stories about desire, love, passion, and all the complexities in between — and they’re articulated with sophistication and style.

So, are you ready to pick your favorite cozy spot, and let these best smut books sweep you away for hours on end? Whether you like contemporary romance, historical settings, or paranormal allure, there’s a story here for everyone.



Up Next

Embodied Cognition: How Your Body Shapes Your Mind And Emotional Experiences

Embodied Cognition and Its Impact on Your Mind and Emotions

Have you ever wondered how your body and mind are interconnected? How the physical sensations you experience can shape your thoughts and emotions? It turns out that our bodies play a crucial role in shaping our cognitive processes and emotional experiences. This fascinating phenomenon is known as embodied cognition. 

Today, we will explore the concept of embodied cognition, the profound mind and body connection, and how the body affects the mind and emotions. 

So, let’s dive into the captivating world of embodied cognition and uncover the secrets of how your body shapes your mind and emotional experiences.

Embodied Cognition: Understanding the Concept