We can see that very often “social media” is actually “mob media”.

When social media is used as a tool to connect with like-minded individuals it works well and there are can be, and often is, a sense of shared ideas and values. It can, however, turn quickly and become a vehicle as an outlet for rage, whether justified or not. We might see it as well as “do‐no‐harm versus do‐good social responsibility”. They are not mutually exclusive and may in fact help people better interact in online social venues. I wrote of this for CTS Publications in a sense of propriety online. And also wrote about the addiction of social media more recently. (You may follow the links to read these articles).

Because social media does not frequently work on the premise of due diligence or reflective research, it simply pours forth the emotions based words of anyone and everyone. And since everyone is at arms length, there is no accountability. Most accounts are labelled as “private” and “retweets do not mean endorsement”. Fair enough. But at some point the person using social media must stand back from the fray and THINK. By using their cognitive reasoning they SHOULD be able to apply some logic to a decision whether to launch into a discussion or not.

Is what one is about to post going to help or it is simply to be part of the mob? Is this an attempt to be “in the know” or part of the first to have posted something that simply leads to agrandisement and a blue check mark? Anyone can get an account in any platform in social media. And no one is held accountable for what they post unless it goes against the norms set out by the web site.

Why fall into the mob? Where social media should be the meeting of individuals for mutual enrichment, it instead appears to be the favourite for of social self-flagellation. Where is the sober second thought?

Rather than be part of a mob seeking mob justice, take time and reflect. Be a part of a form that promotes better social harmony through rational conversation and writing. In the long run the world and social media will be a better place. In the short term it will save everyone from embarrassment over postings that should never have been made and may be regrettable in the least.

“Promote the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because your future depends on its welfare.” (Jer 29,7)

Be wise and be prudent in thought and speech. Wish do to good and not to harm.