The benefits of social media provides the ability to connect to a variety of people. It allows us to engage, ask for help and guidance, but sometimes it is a platform for shaming other people. If you want my honest opinion……this is the adult version of bullying. I have witnessed new moms wanting experience, strength and hope regarding parenting questions and are riddled with derogatory statements indicating she is a bad mother or those statements that are well-intended, but are sprinkled with word “should”…..”you shouldn’t do that or you should do it this way”…..should is just criticism undercover. A friend of mine was sharing his powerful, spiritual experience helping a homeless man, someone quoted a bible scripture and shamed him for sharing this amazing exchange. Shaming showered with biblical words is still shaming.
I know, it is all semantics and I realize, because I am guilty of it to, that when I use “have you tried this” versus “you should try this”, it sounds softer. Honestly, I don’t know what is best for anyone. Half the time, I can’t even figure out that for myself, so obviously not a guru in running other people’s lives.
My point is simple, hiding behind a screen doesn’t give us license to be cruel. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, then maybe you shouldn’t allow the words to be released on a screen. In the world we live in, be the one to lift other people up. Strive to empower instead of destroy. And remember, unsolicited advice is merely criticism even if it is well-intended.
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