Toxic internet

[scarlettina]

Yesterday, I was accused of being a liar. I had posted a link to this editorial in the New York Times on Facebook, and said, "The right to an abortion *is* a right, just like any other constitutionally protected right. The fact that states are placing undue burdens on it is what's not constitutional." A friend of a friend proceeded to argue that this wasn't an accurate statement--abortion isn't listed in the Constitution, he said. I explained that the Supreme Court had founded the right to an abortion in the due process clause, and I produced links and evidence to support my argument. He then accused me of changing the wording of my original post. Twice. Which I hadn't done, and at which point I told him that I was done with him, what with impugning my character and all, and blocked him. I can't help it if he didn't read my original post carefully. I can't help it if he misinterpreted it. But once he called me a liar, I was done with him. Period.

I'm still angry about it.

The internet has gotten toxic lately. Between the terrible news from around the world and the daily exhortations to be outraged about this and that and the other thing over there, it's nearly impossible to find a positive experience online these days. My Facebook wall has twice in the last ten days been used as a debate ground for trolls (one of whom was the above-mentioned person). I find myself feeling restless and irritated, distracted and flailing for Something Positive. I feel extremely burned by yesterday's exchange. Stepping away from the internet for a while might not be a bad idea.

I've said it before recently: I need something new. I need a fundamental change. I don't know what it is, but part of it has to be, I think, stepping away from the internets for a little bit. I don't know how successful I'll be, but I need a breath of fresher air.

Comments

[mimerki.livejournal.com]

I've also been feeling pretty fraught over the way people are acting on the internet, and trying not to engage in those behaviors myself (I think I'm succeeding at that!). No help, just sympathy.

[lagilman]

My solution to the toxicity this summer was GISHWHES. Even with the kerfuffle I blogged about earlier, it's overall been an amazingly pleasant and creative, if exhausting, use of the internet...

But yeah, occasional vacations are good. For all things.

[wolflahti.livejournal.com]

"The Internet has gotten toxic lately."

Lately? My dear, where have you been the last twenty years or so?

[dreamline.livejournal.com]

I was following that and I wanted to post that "talking to a wall" would only cause you stress but I did not want to add to the negativity already happening. There are many overly opinionated people in my life. I decided to cull the ones who are disrespectful jerks about it. Opinions are an important part of our lives and it can be enriching to share and discuss; but once it gets to the point of accusations... No thank you. None of us need that sort of negativity in our lives.

For the record, I found your arguments were valid and logical. Of course abortion is not listed in the constitution. If every single individual right was listed, the document would be miles long! However, you provided which clause applies and even examples of legal cases.

I am so reluctant to post anything opinion related as internet people have been getting worse and worse! I couldn't even complain about the screaming toddler upstairs while I'm at work without feeling attacked. And so I post "fluff".

I've been wanting to write more and I have a lot of thoughts (about potentially volatile topics such as what feminism means to me) but I'm too fragile at this point to even try.

Big hugs to you, dear friend! You have so many people in your life who love and respect you. It's a shame to let the bad seeds taint that.

[doranna durgin (from livejournal.com)]

Ha. Where I read that and thought, "I never saw it put like that before. What does Janna know that I don't? I should learn more about this."

Just for a little balance. 8) Hope you catch a break on the rude internets!

[prettyshrub.livejournal.com]

*HUGS* Take a break. Find something purely fun to do.

[joycemocha.livejournal.com]

It's August, and I think we all get annoyed with the Internet about now. I'm finding myself getting embroiled with a bunch of animal rights stuff over that stupid horse video (draft horse grabbing a kid by the ponytail and throwing her; many people are saying the kid deserved it because she slapped the horse--possibly smashing a fly, and then tried to push the horse out of her space; my perspective as a horse person is that the horse is being as aggressive as a dog that would attack and bite a child....sigh). But I am actively disengaging from politics at the moment, and am just trying to post positive stuff. Even when stupid education stuff happens...well, okay, I'm trying.

But yeah. Summer. Heat. Grouchy people. Something in the air.

[ex-triciasu.livejournal.com]

Sympathies on this. I go through periodic phases where I can't take the internet and I leave and I'm happier and I vow to stay away. But it's a part of my life now, and not realistic to stay away all the time.

I'm sorry that it's been awful lately. I do know that poisoned feeling very well.

[kateelliott.livejournal.com]

What Trish said.

I do find that there seem to be spikes of nasty ugliness and we are in one, or maybe one just gets more sensitized.

I am trying to step away and hoping that my upcoming trip will give me some much needed time away from the internet

[butterflydrming.livejournal.com]

You showed your classiness in handling that troll on FB.

We have a supermoon this weekend, so there is certainly something better than the internet to look at. Do you do any night photography?

[amheriksha.livejournal.com]

1. http://i.imgur.com/CYU8JsN.gif <- Calming kitty always makes me feel better.
2. I felt the same way about Facebook and negativity a few months ago. I took a month off. The difference was amazing! I highly recommend it.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

Calming Kitty is calming! Thank you! :-)