Are Jerks the Future of the Internet?

Are you a different person on social media platforms than you are in person? I can say that I try to be myself as much as possible, but I am more “thankful” on Twitter than I am in person. You may laugh, but seriously, I thank people for mentions, for re-tweets, for favoriting a tweet…whatever. In person, I never thank someone for mentioning my name or even re-sharing information. Social media, in a way, gives me a different voice - a friendlier voice.

However, this is not always the case. Social media can lead to other behaviors, such as, cyber-bullying. Studies have shown that bullying is a predictable, psychological behavior; its effects are significant and ripple through well into adulthood. Is social media an avenue for hateful acts and a trigger for suicide? There have been documented issues that have risen from such acts on social media, however, I am one who believes a jerk is a jerk - yet, social media does give this person another avenue to act out.

Social media is such a powerful means of communication, and it is not going away, it is only getting stronger. How do you take advantage of social media? Do you act as the person you have always wanted to be…the person who can be more polite and thankful than normal or the jerk who causes distress and harm? Believe it or not, social media does give you the option.