From a Quad-City Times article (linked below)
Social media is weird, and I think sometimes it’s weird because each person uses it in a very unique way. Of course, not knowing someone else’s thought processes through open communication makes it even murkier to attempt to understand motives behind actions.
For me, if I take the time to block someone on social media, it’s simply because I don’t want that person in my life anymore. In general, it’s because I’ve been hurt by the person, or sometimes it’s because of a close association with someone who has hurt me. It’s very personal. (And very rare.)
Unfriending is a little easier by comparison, I think. I’ve unfriended people because of their posts. (I don’t tolerate racism, y’all. If I see it, you’re gone. In fact, if you’re racist, go ahead and unfriend me to save me the trouble.)
I’ve also been blocked and unfriended by some people. Some of those people are shitty human beings. Some of them are good people. I’m not perfect, and I sure as hell can’t please everyone. I’ve made mistakes.
I was recently unfriended by someone, but I think that person only added me in the first place to spy. Weird. I didn’t realize that until way after the fact because I was not privy to a certain situation at the time. (Apologies for that sounding so vague, but I’m not here to put other people’s business out there.)
I was also recently blocked by someone. That’s where this whole seemingly-blathering, long-ass intro has been leading to.
The person that blocked me was never on my friends list. We have mutual friends. This person has a reputation for being a good person. I don’t know that we’ve had more than one small interaction ever. I have no idea what this person heard or has been told… but I get it.
I get it.
I’ve had a somewhat similar experience to what this person is going through. That person was done wrong by someone. A couple of people actually. People acting selfishly, with total disregard to how others would be affected by their actions.
Without knowing the specific details of that person’s mindset, I can still understand getting blocked because I’ve done it. I’ve been there. I’ve been hurt, and that pain doesn’t just stop with one person – it gets spread around to acquaintances and strangers and even people we once thought friends who turn their backs.
Social media is weird because emotions are weird and people are weird and this whole planet sometimes seems way-fucking-batshit-out-there.
And a lot of people are hurting and struggling and just trying to make it through the day. Full disclosure: lately I’ve been one of them.
Recently, I’ve seen some billboards around that simply say “just be kind.” (Here’s an article I found about those.)
I try to be kind. I try to make sure that I act in kindness. I make a conscious effort. I still fuck up. But I try.
For that stranger who blocked me, even though they’ll most likely never see this – I’m sorry. The pain sucks. I hope it gets better soon.
And a reminder for all of us:
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
― Socrates
josh carples 