Delete and Censor

Would you delete and or censor an individual who posts opinion opposed to your thoughts on social media?

From my perspective the answer is YES. My feeling is to delete and block demonstrates that I have boundaries and self-respect. And the power and potential to decide who is within my environment.

Let’s face it, people become divorced from spouses whom they have known for years or even decades. If one is capable of making a major separation of this degree, then surely deleting and blocking a social media connection of little or no consequence is acceptable. And within the parameters of loyalty to one’s self.

There seems to be a false interpretation of the meaning of the word friend with the framework of social media. A casual click on the ‘accept friend’ does not and can never be the basis of a real connected one to one meaningful relationship. A hard reality and one which can result in the thin ice being broken and one or both parties drowning in the cold emotions that are the lake of relationships.

Who do you invite to the party?
Who do you invite to your home?
Would you invite those who do not like you or have little or no common interest?
Would you interact with people who oppose your views?
Why would you associate with those who demonstrate aggressive opinion?

Of course we can welcome intelligent and constructive opinion. However, how far does one extend the no mans land of tolerance and acceptance?

Some would suggest a delete and block as being an indication of weakness or capitulation to their opinion. Others would see the deletion as a slight or take offence.

Either way it make no difference, we can choose to accept who we wish to correspond with, and who we choose to have as friends. There is no rule of life that determines or enforces us to become associated with anyone. Although, it seems many people believe this is so.

The seeds of war and long term grievance are often discovered in the failure to ‘live and let live.’ My choice is to live and let people ‘sink or float’ in the vessel they have created. If anyone holds an opinion opposed to mine, I try to see their viewpoint, and do not dismiss their thoughts. They have every right to harbour concepts which aligne with their moral and ethical compass. However, unless they could present a empirical case that my thoughts are wrong or overly flawed, it would be difficult to change my viewpoint.

We can, and should choose our friends, whether in a reality (one to one) contact or within a social media (cyber friend) contact.

There is no obligation to feed a friend.
There is no obligation to feed an enemy.
We can choose to interact or not.

Surely the sole obligation in one’s life is to be secure in our environment. If this means cutting ties, to protect our clsoe and real relationships so be it. There are millions who focus on their real needs and have no time for the lives of others. Many will name them selfish, and yet we know, if we can face reality, there are almost none who will give financially, intellectually or emotionally without reservation. It is all very well to have an external character that voices kindness, forgiveness and generosity, but can they demonstrate their words with actions? I’ve yet to meet any who gives without reservation, forgives without question, or is a shepherd to every, or any lost flock.

The reality is, real friends are nurtured through personal contact and dialogue. An online relationship is at best, a meeting of thoughts through written words and imagery. At worst a distorted view and intentional deception supported by confirmational bias. Only when we meet and converse with an other over a great period of time do we really possess enough of the spectrum of the individuals persona to assess their place in our life. And remember, the persona is a mask, what is hidden behind the mask often shocks and disappoints.

I take nothing personally. If someone replies to a post with curiosity and offers a respectful opinion then the message stays on the post, even it is opposite to my views. However, if the opinion is aggressive or demonstrates a vindictive or arrogant tone, it is deleted and the cyber friend is blocked.

I have no need for aggressive or vindictive individuals within my life. We have every right to choose our companions. Those who will help in times of assistance and those we will and can help in their moments of distress.

I accept, my social media ‘weed and prune’ is not for everyone. It would be fair to accept many have not my emotional strength and fortitude. And yes, you are right if you suspect I will not lose a moments sleep over any of choices. Becoming older provides a salient reminder of how life choices determine one’s future. Life wisdom suggests walking away from disliked, negative and vindictive people results in a better and happier future.

Why do people feel the need to offer opposing opinions on other people’s social media pages? I doubt anyone could provide a full answer to the question.
My feeling is two fold, they dislike the ‘friend’ and wish to discredit them. Surely, it would be better to move away from someone who does not fit into their social circle? I am not concerned with those who cannot use their own platform to establish their thoughts and beliefs. Hacking into another’s profile demonstrates their weakness and real self.

I will continue to delete and block any who reply to my social media opinions if they demonstrate a vindictive or vile attitude. Any who reply with an opposing view with intelligence, grace and courtesy is welcome in my cyber world.