Letters on Social Media #1
Hi Gem!
I’m sorry that this is a bit out of the blue. I know we don’t really know each other in real life, but I’ve really enjoyed the process of getting to know you online and I’m so grateful for how supportive you’ve been over the last few years, whether in messages, kind comments, friendly ‘likes’ or sharing my posts.
That’s why I’m writing really. I’ve noticed that it’s been a little while (six months or so) since you last engaged with anything I’ve posted, so I was wondering if I’ve done something to upset or offend you?
I know that things are super busy for you right now, what with juggling parenthood, the job and the new course you’re doing (it sounds really exciting!). I was hugely sorry to see the sad news about your mum and your cat too. So I hope this isn’t intrusive: I just wanted to check whether I’ve annoyed you in some way. I hope it’s not the case, but I know I can get carried away at times, so if there is something up, please let me know how I can fix it.
xxxxx
Alright fella!
Quick question. Bit of a weird one but on Crofty’s latest post about his gig is there anyone else in the comments except him?
Might not be cos you know what he’s like, constantly makes no sense haha, but this seemed even more crazy than usual so I want to know if it’s because someone’s blocked me or whatever haha.
Cheers Dx
Hey everyone,
Sorry for the personal post but I’ve been talking about this to a few people for a while now and thought it would be good to get it out in the open. It’ll probably surprise a fair few of you (because no doubt you think of me as fairly argumentative) but I actually suffer quite badly from social anxiety and confrontations are especially bad for making it flare up. As you can imagine, that makes social media a bit of a nightmare.
You could respond by saying, “So don’t get involved in arguments online,” but it’s more complicated than that. Our values make us what we are, so if we don’t uphold them, what does that do to our identities? It’s as if there are two contrasting identities at war within me, and I need your help brokering the peace between them.
It’s not that any of you guys reading this post the kind of toxic stuff I can’t ignore. Far from it. You’re all great and I’ve binned anyone who wasn’t. Life’s too short. However, because some people aren’t so anxious as me, you have friends/acquaintances/family/colleagues/whatever with really problematic views who comment on your posts. That’s bad enough, but often those insane ramblings go unchallenged and that’s anxiety-provoking as hell.
Can we all please make a commitment to step in, or else to curate who can reply to sensitive posts? I’d appreciate it and I reckon you will too.
FC ♥
