You Might Not Realize it, But You Are Probably a Hater

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Abstract

y life, we usually feel our view is the right view. That’s just the way we work as humans.Take me, for example. I like to think of myself as a tolerant, caring, left-of-center liberal. I try to be accepting of other people’s views (as long as they’re not too extreme) and not be too judgemental.Basically I think of myself as a fairly decent person and I think most people think of themselves in the same way.The trouble is, the stats don’t back this up. All around the world everything is becoming more extreme. Why is there this huge rise in far-right politicians coming to power?I think it’s particularly to do with how we interact with social media. Particularly where strong views are aired.Let’s say for example, Trump tweets something controversial. There’s nothing wrong with seeing his tweet and feeling angry and thinking what an idiot he is. But it’s when you start scrolling down to see all the comments that feelings of hate starts to arise.I’ve found myself doing this. You read people’s comments about how stupid he is and yo

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u hate him more and then you see comments from his right-wing supporters and more hate arises in you. I have even gone to that person’s profile to see his or her tweets because I can’t believe their views.The thing is, am I going there to see another side of the argument? No, I don’t think so. I’ve lit this fire of hate in my belly and I’m looking for fuel to keep it alight. This isn’t healthy for me, or any of us. Whatever social media channel it is, we’re just looking for things that will stoke our existing views. And it is this hate and fear that is created by this, that has lead to so many people’s views becoming more polarized and so helping extreme leaders come to power.I’m not saying become completely passive. Obviously there is nothing wrong with feeling angry about the injustices in the world, but not hate and fear. Hate and fear create people who put skulls on their caps.I’m trying to be more mindful of how I interact with social media and I recommend you do too. You can’t change the world overnight, but you can change how you interact with it.</article></body>

How do you rise above haters? Stop being one yourself!

I love this sketch by Mitchell and Webb. At the end of the day, no one thinks of themselves as ‘the bad guys’ but throughout history most of the wars have been fought with both sides believing their fighting ‘in the name of god’.

The trouble is, whether it’s war or everyday life, we usually feel our view is the right view. That’s just the way we work as humans.

Take me, for example. I like to think of myself as a tolerant, caring, left-of-center liberal. I try to be accepting of other people’s views (as long as they’re not too extreme) and not be too judgemental.

Basically I think of myself as a fairly decent person and I think most people think of themselves in the same way.

The trouble is, the stats don’t back this up. All around the world everything is becoming more extreme. Why is there this huge rise in far-right politicians coming to power?

I think it’s particularly to do with how we interact with social media. Particularly where strong views are aired.

Let’s say for example, Trump tweets something controversial. There’s nothing wrong with seeing his tweet and feeling angry and thinking what an idiot he is. But it’s when you start scrolling down to see all the comments that feelings of hate starts to arise.

I’ve found myself doing this. You read people’s comments about how stupid he is and you hate him more and then you see comments from his right-wing supporters and more hate arises in you. I have even gone to that person’s profile to see his or her tweets because I can’t believe their views.

The thing is, am I going there to see another side of the argument? No, I don’t think so. I’ve lit this fire of hate in my belly and I’m looking for fuel to keep it alight. This isn’t healthy for me, or any of us. Whatever social media channel it is, we’re just looking for things that will stoke our existing views. And it is this hate and fear that is created by this, that has lead to so many people’s views becoming more polarized and so helping extreme leaders come to power.

I’m not saying become completely passive. Obviously there is nothing wrong with feeling angry about the injustices in the world, but not hate and fear. Hate and fear create people who put skulls on their caps.

I’m trying to be more mindful of how I interact with social media and I recommend you do too. You can’t change the world overnight, but you can change how you interact with it.