Summary

The author reflects on the negative transformation of online interactions, from a once supportive environment to one rife with hostility and "snark," particularly within a screenwriting community, and ponders the broader societal implications of this change.

Abstract

The author, a screenwriter, recounts their journey into the world of social media after losing their job, initially using it to promote their work but soon becoming overwhelmed by the toxicity of online discourse. They reminisce about a previously helpful and kind screenwriting forum that has since devolved into a space dominated by unkindness and "snark." The author attributes this cultural shift in part to the influence of Trump's America and a pervasive "fight club" mentality that encourages tearing others down. They express concern over the example being set for children and the future of humanity in the face of rampant online bullying and the proliferation of trolls who thrive on causing pain to others. Despite personal attacks, the author advocates for maintaining humanity and empathy, urging parents to teach their children these values to foster a more positive future.

Opinions

The author believes that the current state of online interactions is marked by a lack of kindness and an abundance of hostility, which is a departure from past online community behaviors.
They suggest that former President Trump's influence has contributed to a decline in civility and an increase in combative behavior online.
The author is critical of "trolls" and their destructive impact on social media, noting their tactics such as trying to provoke anger, acting entitled, exaggerating, making personal attacks, and often displaying poor spelling and grammar.
Despite being a target of unkind remarks, the author empathizes with the attackers, viewing them as individuals who may be struggling with their own issues.
The author emphasizes the importance of teaching children kindness and empathy to counteract the current trend of online hostility and to ensure a better future for humanity.
They quote Malcolm X to underscore their commitment to truth, justice, and the betterment of humanity as a whole, regardless of personal attacks or differences.

I’m Searching for Something

It’s called “humanity.”

Until I lost my job, I never paid much attention to social media.

Facebook was a place where I kept up with family doings. Rarely did I post there. No Instagram. No Reddit. No Quora. And I didn’t know a tweet from a twit.

I quickly learned that in order to stand out in a glut of out-of-work writers, I had to step up my game. I had to promote my brand

A fast learner, I jumped into the social media fray and haven’t looked back. Maybe that’s why my head swims every day. My brain is a sinkhole of tweets and likes and comments and fans and claps and more than a few nasty comments.

That brings me to the point of this piece: What happened to the nice? When did people start shitting all over one another? And reveling in it?

At least fifteen years, ago I subscribed to a forum for screenwriters, producers, agents and managers and other entertainment industry folk. I loved the fact that there was a good mix of wannabes and pros. I joined because I wanted to do my due diligence and educate myself so that I could realize my dream of becoming a working screenwriter.

I learned a great deal from that community. In fact, I’m still a part of it. But, sadly, I have noticed an alarming shift over the past few years. Where once members were helpful, kind and supportive, today “snark” has taken over. Some of the recent comments, especially, are unconscionable.

What the hell is wrong with people? What’s with our universal snark-fest? Is this fallout from Trump’s America? This “fight club” mentality? I have to believe that POTUS is partially to blame for our ebbing humanity. Our refusal to stand together for the common good. To acknowledge that we are all in this together. Or should be.

Tearing others down is our new “upper.” We’re addicted to it. Online bullies are rampant. They hide behind pseudonyms and avatars and phony personas and have nothing to offer other than the venom they routinely spew.

I have strong opinions. I am an opinionated person who holds no punches. But, I would never tolerate overt unkindness, either from myself, or others. It would break my heart to think that I had deeply wounded someone.

As I am childless, I am not in a position to dish out advice to Moms and Dads. But, I have to ask, what are we teaching our children with our propensity for being complete shits as human beings? Please, please, teach your children kindness and empathy from the get-go. They are the future. They can effect change.

“Trolls” are the bane of social media. They feed off the vulnerability of others. They lurk. They inflict pain. They ridicule. They humiliate. And, they usually have a particular target, or targets, in mind.

From Hootsuite.com, here are five signs you’re being “trolled.”

They try to make you angry. And, they often succeed, so don’t take the bait.

They act entitled. It’s always and forever, about “me, me, me.”

They exaggerate. Superlatives are their best friend. Extreme and inflammatory.

They make it personal. Like kids in a schoolyard, they name-call and attempt to trash your character.

They often can’t spell. Yep. We’re talkin’ idiots. Trolls use improper grammar, cap every word and often, end those words with a multitude of exclamation points.

I have been the target of unkind remarks, especially on the above-mentioned entertainment forum. It stings, I won’t lie. But, then, I consider the source — someone who is probably miserable, perhaps envious, and most certainly, lacking in self-esteem.

After the pain of the punch in the gut ebbs, I feel for my attacker. Because I am a human being and I embrace my humanity.

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” Malcolm X