We all have one, a misguided or flatly mistaken relative that insists upon posting an objectionable post on social media. Wait, that’s not accurately framing the situation. It’s not the misguided factor that is loathsome, it’s the easily refutable content that my relative posts regardless of the demonstrably false narrative and/or information that they insist upon sharing with the world that really grinds my gears.
The internet is already a minefield of inaccuracies and falsehoods that this situation feels like a moment where I can be the superhero that swoops in to rectify the situation. The key to this situation is that I must avoid brute superhero strength, and rely instead on understanding and civility.
As was encouraged by my professor in his writings, Dan Gillmor stresses the simple act of civility in online exchanges. He maintains that civility is the key to interaction or persuasion with any online contributor (or villain). In this case, this is my relative so civility is paramount and cannot be overlooked.
I must find a method of demonstrating to my relative that purposeful and deliberate posting of demonstrably false content is negative and detrimental to society. Unfortunately, a large portion of society will not be able to distinguish the falsehood from other truths locked hand in hand with their internet posting. If anyone is to be trusted, attempting to represent themselves truthfully is almost always required.
Outside of civility, this interaction will require copious patience, and above all, respect for other people’s opinions. It’s not that my opinion is infallible, but appreciation for representing the most current understanding of the facts is required in the messy online world we live in. I find great value in researching and representing the truth in every post I make and they should too. Of course, it is unreasonable to expect my elder relatives to understand this, but this is where otherworldly patience must kick in.
We can only be valued online by the framework of our standards and insistence on representing ourselves with honesty. If effective, it is at this point where I can rid myself of the external label of hero, and rather look within myself as an academic advisor. In the words of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, “As an educator, it’s my duty to empower you to think. So that you can go forth and think accurate thoughts about how the world is put together.”
