Canadians are world renowned for our kind disposition and generally polite discourse. It would seem, however, that we Canadians do not extend these same courtesies to our fellow countrymen online.
Lately I have seen an influx of disrespectful and insensitive speech on Internet forums and social media. It seems like folks are lying in wait for someone to utter an uncouth phrase or voice an unpopular opinion so they will have cause to spring into action and tear them apart.
I know this isn't new. But it seems that the recent change in political atmosphere both provincially and federally has created a perfect cocktail of unrest among Albertans.
Every day social media is filled with news articles and political memes -- more often than not skewed heavily toward one political party or another. A quick browse through the comment section will show you precisely what I mean; the Internet has provided us with the platform to be horrible to one another in the comfort and privacy of our own homes.
Many media outlets have transitioned into requiring that all comments on their threads be linked to a registered and verified Facebook account. They hoped this would hold folks more accountable for the nasty words they write -- it doesn't.
The nature of social media is that the information provided is voluntary. It is becoming more and more common for people to use aliases, nicknames, middle names, or just invent a new name altogether. No one is checking your birth certificate. Your real name could be anything. I could create a Facebook account under any name I wish for the sole purpose of using it for comment boards. I wouldn't be the first either.
As long as there has been democracy there have been polarizing issues. The viewpoints on issues are often passionately expressed and met with equally passionate responses. Sadly, not everyone is eloquent in conveying opinions to others.
In 2011, the United Nations declared Internet access to be a human right. With that, the Internet has provided a public sphere where ideas and opinions can be shared with people from all walks of life.
Democratic politics are polarizing by design. Discourse and discussion are the grease that keeps the wheels of democracy turning. But when it comes to politics, people seem to forget that we have all had a different journey through life and there may be a reason for someone to hold one closely guarded belief or another. It seems as though people feel that having an opinion about any political issue gives them the right to publicly call out others who disagree.
It would be truly fascinating if we lived in a world where Internet comments were in real-time video. My guess is the web would be a much more cordial place. It's more difficult to tear a stranger apart when you have to look them in the eyes.
Maybe many of us have forgotten the golden rule to treat others the way we wish to be treated. Maybe the anonymity of the Internet makes it difficult to hold each other accountable for our words. One thing is for certain: the Internet would be better place if we all gave each other a little respect. If you wouldn't say it to their face, don't say it online.
