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

[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!