Everyone wants to be the smartest, too. Just invent an app that is an IQ test and gives great results; the average person can score a '160' on your scale. You'll make your million by shares on social networking, because everybody wants to be a genius. Make people feel smart and you will win.
Social networking also lends itself to the sharing of beliefs. It's a rare person that does not have their 'religion' listed as something. It's a rare person that doesn't every now and then thank some entity or another for a wonderful event, or request prayer for difficult times. The thing is; as we compete to be the best, and strongly state our beliefs, some start tearing down others. It is not enough for some folks these days to post positive things about what they believe, they must tear down and disprove any opposing beliefs. Many choose to do so with the ready-made worded photos that sometimes have a link to a ranting, one-sided news story. I call these "hate memes". Hate memes sprinkle my social network page with regularity. I know, you believe in your cause, you believe you're right and you're out to set everybody else straight. Only guess what? It doesn't work. Most people ignore them. The ones that 'like' them, or comment on them either completely agree with you, or are looking for a good argument....but never to change their mind. Maybe there is some alternate group of friends that discuss things thoughtfully and weigh the evidence of what others believe against their own beliefs carefully.........nah.
I have actually hidden a few of my more common "hate-meme" posting friends from my news feed. I didn't un-friend them, I like them as people. They don't know I've hidden them, so there are no repercussions. I just don't enjoy knowing how much you hate this politico or that. I'm secure in my personal beliefs and will gladly enjoy what you have to share; (as long as you don't call other's beliefs stupid) recipes, favorite old song videos, and quizzes (see, my preferences may annoy you!) It's fun sometimes to spend an hour or two on Facebook - and post several links to things you enjoy. Others may get tired of my Peter Frampton videos, pictures of my pets, bragging about my choir and especially those pesky blog posts. I get it - everyone is free to look or not look. Also - free to hide or not hide - a great Facebook feature that keeps feelings from being hurt.
My main concern, though, comes with those that have started to interact on a personal basis as if they are personifying a hate-meme. I have seen people tell each other they are idiots, they don't know anything, they don't deserve an answer.....all sorts of rude things. I honestly think that if your goal is to look intelligent enough to prove that your beliefs are much better than someone else's (because, after all, you are smarter...) then you need to be told that you are painting yourself into the dunce's corner every time you belittle or hurt someone else. I suppose I'm throwing out a Rodney King-type plea here "Can't we all just get along?" - and it won't ever happen because humans want to be the best. I just wanted to say, though, you don't win if you're mean. The Internet makes it a lot easier to be mean, and too many have fallen into that trap. So, take your 180 IQ that the Facebook test says you have and use it to be humble, informed and positive about your own beliefs. Quit being mean just because you're only sitting at a keyboard or using a phone and none of those people out there seem real. You won't win.
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