Some people treat their keyboard as an extension of the subconscious - they do not filter what they write and send it unfiltered to others. Hence the way people on e-groups express far more extreme views and verbally attack others in a way that they would never do in real life. Perhaps this is because we do not see the other person at the other end of cyberspace as a real person? We know that we will never have to look them in the eye.
I read the following advice today that would help to keep the "flame wars", as online arguments are called, within acceptable boundaries. It would also help us to consider very carefully before we commit to send that angry email. Once sent into the ether, that message exists for all time and could be something that will come back and haunt us!
So here is the advice for times when we feel obliged to make our feelings known, especially if we intend to put them in writing:
Remember each letter of the word think.....
THINK!
Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?
If we paused and considered THINK before we pressed the send button, the Internet and all electronic communication would be transformed. A new community built on values we could be proud to be associated with would be built. Perhaps we could even practice such a review in all our face to face interactions too! Now that would have a transformative effect!
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