Yes, the irony is not lost on me that I'm posting this link on Facebook.
I truly enjoy Facebook. It's a way to keep in touch with family and friends, to exchange ideas and encouragement, and it's also the fastest prayer chain I've ever witnessed.
It definitely has its downsides though. People tend to push their beliefs quite a bit, posting links to articles and research that back up their own way of thinking. No one ever seems to put up an article and say, "Wow, I thought the other way until I read this." The breast-feeding proponents post about breastfeeding, the people who immunize post about how immunizations have saved the world, the people who don't immunize post about how immunizations are killing our children. The Democrats post about why they're awesome, the Republicans post about why they are brilliant.
The argument that "I'm posting this so other people will know" also seems a bit thin. Frankly, I've never once changed my viewpoint about anything--no matter how small--due to an article on Facebook. I'm guilty of only reading the ones I already agree with. If you are posting something about which I've already made up my mind in a different way, I'm far more likely to roll my eyes and scroll past. If I truly need to form an opinion about something, Facebook is the LAST place I'm going to go.
I don't mind that people share these articles and opinions, as we live in a free world and I'm a big supporter of free speech. I do mind that people seem to take others' opinions as an invitation to belittle and argue, quite often hijacking the news feed/post of a person who doesn't want their name associated with a giant argument. I suppose this is going to fall under the category of "Can't we all just get along?" In actuality though, it's a good question. Why CAN'T we all just get along? Whatever happened to live and let live?
I think we should take back Facebook. Political arguments, differences of opinion, and general disgruntledness (yes, I'm coining new phrases today) need to be left behind. There are venues for this kind of thing. Facebook should not be one of them. It is easy to hide behind a keyboard--I've found myself typing things that I'd never dream of saying to someone's face in real life. The anonymity of the internet is a breeding ground for hate mongering.
My point is simple--Facebook has the potential to be full of encouragement and kindness, instead of a hotbed of irritation and controversy. Let's use it to that intent. I love to see pictures of your kids, to hear about your daily life, to read uplifting and encouraging things. I truly enjoy engagement announcements, hearing about your new job, and reading the crazy and hilarious things that your kids are saying. I weep with you when you grieve, and knowing you are under the weather gives me a chance to say an extra prayer on your behalf, and perhaps offer to bring you a pot of soup. I want to see photos of the crafty things you've accomplished, or that new puppy you are bringing home. I am also eternally grateful for all the recipes you are posting, as I love to try new things.
I will not join an argument about somebody's parenting choice, or a political viewpoint, or a disagreement about how somebody lives their life. I will also make a greater effort to keep these things off my page, so that people can trust that anything attached to my name will be of a positive nature.
Change always has to start somewhere. I am taking back Facebook. I say that imagining myself standing on top of a giant hill, waving a flag and shouting as hoards of people roar with approval. In actuality, this is a very small thing. But, like I said, we have to start somewhere. And now, if you will excuse me, I have to go surf my newsfeed.
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