Do we know how to behave anymore?

 

This semester, I am enrolled in Social Media and Informatics, and one of our goals is to start the conversation about social media. In this case, the correct terminology may be to continue the conversation about social media, seeing that it pretty much impacts all of us in one way or another. As a teacher and librarian in the public school system, social media in everyday life. Certain aspects of social media are helpful, even for adolescents who probably need constant monitoring. Nevertheless, some topics about social media are concerning. One of the more concerning topics is dealing with civility or formal politeness and courtesy with behavior and speech in online environments when sharing. Yes, it is a problem in physical environments, especially since the COVID pandemic forced people to isolate themselves and live differently. However, the negative effects of social media on the population I work with are pretty apparent and damaging. Relationships and friendships are destroyed, families embarrassed and ruined, issues with law enforcement, and on the far end of the spectrum is violence and suicide. Some of these outcomes are learning experiences for adolescents.  People lose friends and damage relationships when certain things are said. But issues with the law, violence, and suicide?! Adults do not seem to be much better, as highlighted by an article written by Jasmine Garsd:

In An Increasingly Polarized America, Is It Possible To Be Civil On Social Media?

How are we as adults supposed to model appropriate use of social media if many have no control over their own filter? As stated by the adults mentioned in the article, they are not proud of their behavior, but often have a tendency to go along with the fight. But why? 

I began to ponder what makes these social media environments so heated and wondered if any research addresses some of these ideas of civility and emotional considerations. Initial findings do suggest that research exists. Many factors come into play, but one struck me in particular. Worrall, et al. (2020) mentions that the lack of empathy. When others share information on social media, are they fully aware of HOW they are phrasing the information? 

Regardless, Worrall's article started to get me thinking a little more about how information is shared. It also made me feel a little better about how much time I spent on mood, tone, and style in literature.  

Garsd, J. (2019, March 31). In an increasingly polarized america, is it possible to be civil on social media? NPR. https://www.npr.org/2019/03/31/708039892/in-an-increasingly-polarized-america-is-it-possible-to-be-civil-on-social-media

Worrall, A., Cappello, A., & Osolen, R. (in press). The importance of socio-emotional considerations in online communities, social informatics, and information science. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.24489